Turkey is gearing up to launch a lunar rover by 2030, powered by a domestically engineered rocket. The first test flight is targeted for late 2023, with a Turkish astronaut slated to join the International Space Station soon after.
In 2020, NASA introduced the Artemis Accords to promote safe, sustainable Moon exploration. Nations like Australia, Canada, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom signed on immediately. More recently, Ukraine, South Korea, New Zealand, and Brazil have joined.
Meanwhile, Russia and China signed a pact in March to develop a lunar research station and have invited other countries to participate. The Moon is poised for a new era of international activity.
Turkey has now outlined its own lunar ambitions.
At the Global Conference on Space Exploration (GLEX) in Saint Petersburg, Russia, on June 16, Serdar Hüseyin Yildirim, President of the Turkish Space Agency (TUA), detailed Turkey's space roadmap.
Key highlights include a first lunar surface rover targeted for 2028 or 2029 to gather vital scientific data.
The spacecraft carrying the rover will be built entirely in Turkey, using a hybrid engine in development. A prototype launch to the Moon is planned for late 2023, assuming timelines hold.
“We intend to use our own engine to reach the Moon,” Yildirim stated. “Prior to that, our spacecraft will reach low Earth orbit via international partners.”
Turkey also aims to send its first astronaut to the ISS for experiments. “Negotiations with partners are nearing completion,” Yildirim noted. “Training will begin once finalized in the coming months.”
Launched in 2018 amid economic challenges, TUA faces criticism over costs but is praised for retaining top talent and boosting national innovation.
