By Caroline Colbert |
The Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced the plan for a 10-year space program that includes missions to the moon and the development of new satellite systems. Erdoğan stated that the country have plans to send its citizens to space with the help of international collaboration. The Turkish government also intends to build a spaceport with other countires and create a global brand of satellite technology. The Turkish Head of State also said that the mission is essential, because the intention is to reach the moon by the year of the centenary creation of the Turkish Republic (in 2023).
Impacts on Defense and Security: Moscow’s state media confirmed the Russian-Turkish space collaboration. The partnership with the Russian space agency could leverage Erdoğan ambitions, but it could also bring problems or tensions in terms of cooperation with other countries.
Source: Turkey unveils space program with mission to moon. Deutsche Welle, 09 Feb. 2021 Available at: https://www.dw.com/en/turkey-unveils-space-program-with-mission-to-moon/a-56517036