TSA saying we're working on a hybrid propulsion that should hopefully enable us to reach space in 2026
Turkey's 6 Primary Goals in Space
The Turkish Space Agency (TUA) is celebrating its 6th anniversary. TUA President Yusuf Kıraç outlined the agency’s upcoming goals: to develop its own spacecraft and propulsion system, launch the Moon Mission, establish a launch base, increase space experiments, create its own atomic space clock, and bring everyone related to space together in Antalya in 2026.
Founded on December 13, 2018, the Turkish Space Agency has achieved significant milestones in just six years, including sending Turkey’s first astronauts into space, making the country proud.
TUA continues its work under the National Space Program, with six primary objectives. Kıraç shared these goals with TRT Haber.
"We Are Advancing in Line with National Goals"
Kıraç explained that space projects in Turkey began with satellite work in the mid-1980s. "However, comprehensive projects, including the economy, strategy, and scientific studies, started with the National Space Program announced by our President three years ago. The National Space Program includes the goals of countries that are advanced in this field. We have taken these as our mission."
Space Experiments Details to Be Shared Soon
Kıraç emphasized that 2024 will be an important year for Turkey's space efforts. "We sent two of our astronauts to space with 20 experiments. The analysis of these experiments is ongoing, and we will share the details with the public soon."
Turkey Has Become a Country That Builds Its Own Satellites
Kıraç highlighted the successful launch of Turkey's first domestically produced communication satellite, TÜRKSAT 6A, in June. "It was completely locally produced by Turkish engineers and will start operation in the first quarter of 2025. Additionally, one year ago, we launched our observation satellite, İMECE, which features sub-meter resolution using cameras we developed ourselves. These satellites will allow Turkey to provide many services, from smart cities to environmental monitoring systems," Kıraç explained.
Goal: The Moon in 2026
The Moon Mission remains one of Turkey's most important goals within the National Space Program. Kıraç elaborated, "There are two key components to this mission. We are developing our own spacecraft and hybrid propulsion system, and testing is ongoing. Hopefully, in 2026, Turkey will join the ranks of countries that have reached the Moon." The first phase will involve a hard landing, followed by a soft landing in the second phase, and finally, a manned mission in the third phase.
Atomic Clock Ready in One Year
Kıraç also addressed the development of an atomic space clock. "One of the most strategic fields in space is time and positioning systems. We are working on our own regional positioning and timing system. Our atomic clock will be ready for use in a year, marking a historic achievement in space."
Establishing Our Own Launch Base
To successfully carry out these missions, Turkey needs its own launch base. Kıraç mentioned that work on this project is ongoing, with details to be shared with the public soon. "Our goal is to be able to go to space independently. For that, we are progressing toward becoming a country with its own launch base and system. We will achieve this very soon, and important steps have already been taken," he said.
Plant Growth and Pharmaceutical Experiments
Scientific advancement is one of the primary objectives of space exploration. To date, approximately 2,500 experiments have been conducted in space, with 20 of these conducted by Turkish astronauts Alper Gezeravcı and Tuva Cihangir Atasever. Kıraç shared details about these ongoing experiments: "From seed production to electronic circuits, tests and experiments continue. We are also investigating how plants can be produced and how food can be sourced in the event of a future colony. Recently, together with Aegean University, we sent seeds into space to study how they react to harsher conditions. We are analyzing these results in detail. Space experiments have shown advantages, particularly in the medical field. For example, cancer cells react differently in a zero-gravity environment. These studies will become crucial."
77th IAC in Antalya
Kıraç also mentioned that the 77th International Astronautical Congress (IAC) will be held in Belek, Antalya, in 2026, with the participation of about 15,000 people, including scientists, industry representatives, students, and entrepreneurs.
Kıraç concluded: "The space economy today exceeds 600 billion dollars. While the world economy grows at around 3% annually, the space economy grows three times faster, at 8-9%. We must take our share from this. Startups are crucial. Many small and large initiatives in space technologies and space services have been launched. In Turkey, two or three startups are now capable of sending their own satellites. The work of entrepreneurs in the private sector will contribute greatly to them and to Turkey. As TUA, we will continue to provide all necessary support."
TUA, 6’ıncı yaşını kutluyor. TUA Başkanı Yusuf Kıraç, yakın dönemdeki hedefleri şöyle sıraladı: Kendi uzay aracını ve itki sistemini yapmak, Ay Misyonu’nu başlatmak, fırlatma üssü kurmak, uzay deneylerini artırmak, kendi atomik uzay saatini oluşturmak ve 2026’da uzayla ilgili herkesi Antalya’da...
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Powered by a hybrid propulsion system, the YTA will transport a satellite from one orbit to another.
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