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Turkey has announced plans to construct a spaceport in Somalia, a strategic location near the equator, to conduct missile tests and long-range rocket launches. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan revealed the development during a recent meeting of the Justice and Development Party (AKP) Central Executive Committee, calling it a “milestone” for Turkey’s growing space program, according to the pro-government news website Sabah.
Why Somalia? The Strategic Advantage
Somalia’s location near the equator offers significant benefits for rocket launches. Launch sites close to the equator require less fuel and can carry heavier payloads due to the Earth’s rotational speed. This geographical advantage puts Somalia alongside other major equatorial launch sites, including Kazakhstan’s Baikonur Cosmodrome and NASA and SpaceX launch complexes in Florida, USA.
This decision follows a maritime agreement between Turkey and Somalia, further deepening their bilateral relations and expanding Turkey’s influence in the region.
Turkey’s Expanding Space Program
Turkey’s spaceport project is part of its broader push into space exploration. Earlier this year, the nation celebrated the launch of its first astronaut, Alper Gezeravcı, to the International Space Station (ISS), marking a significant milestone in its space endeavors.
Previously, Turkey conducted missile tests at its Sinop test site, but the limited capacity and crowded surroundings prompted the need for a larger and more isolated facility. The Somali site promises the space and conditions necessary for advanced testing and future long-range launches.
Economic Concerns Amid Space Ambitions
The ambitious spaceport project has sparked criticism domestically. Turkey is currently grappling with economic challenges, including high inflation and currency devaluation, which have significantly impacted citizens’ daily lives. Critics argue that funds allocated to the space program would be better spent addressing pressing economic and social issues.
Supporters, however, view the project as a step toward technological advancement and global competitiveness, positioning Turkey as a leader in space exploration in the region.