President Erdoğan spoke at the space congress in Antalya
Speaking at the congress in Antalya, President Erdoğan emphasized Turkey's determination in the space race and announced new projects.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan shared Turkey's strategic goals in space studies, completed projects, and steps toward international cooperation during his opening speech at the 77th International Astronautical Congress held at the Antalya NEST Congress Center.
Turkey's Position in the Space Race
President Erdoğan emphasized that they never allowed Turkey to fall behind in the space race and stated that the country is among the rare states capable of designing and producing its own satellite.
Satellite and Space Projects
In the speech, attention was drawn to projects such as İMECE, Göktürk, TÜRKSAT 5A, TÜRKSAT 5B, and TÜRKSAT 6A—Turkey's first indigenous and national communication satellite launched in 2024—and it was reported that current efforts are continuing successfully.
Lunar Research Program
It was announced that the production, assembly, and integration processes of the lunar spacecraft, weighing approximately 3.5 tons and prepared within the framework of the Lunar Research Program, have been completed.
Information was shared that system-level environmental testing activities are ongoing for the vehicle, which has a domestic production rate of over 80 percent.
Manned Space Missions
While recalling that Alper Gezeravcı was sent to the International Space Station in 2024, the importance of the sub-orbital research flight conducted by Tuva Cihangir Atasever was also emphasized.
Spaceport in Somalia
It was stated that, as a result of joint efforts conducted with Somalia, construction work for a spaceport has been initiated in this country and that the project will contribute to Africa's space ecosystem.
Stance Against the Weaponization of Space
Expressing his clear stance on the matter, Erdoğan stated that turning space into an area of military competition and weaponization is exceptionally wrong and dangerous.