Turkey Starts Building Rocket-Launching Facility in Somalia
Turkey has initiated the construction of a rocket-launching facility in Somalia, as announced by the President of Somalia on Wednesday. This new project is aimed at boosting Ankara's capabilities in long-range rocket testing.
Enhancing Turkey's Space Program
The rocket-launching facility in Somalia has been part of Turkey's national space program planning for several years. This strategic move is a significant step towards advancing Turkey's presence in the global space sector.
Expanding Turkey's Presence in Somalia
Aside from the rocket-launching facility, Turkey already operates its largest military training base outside its borders in Somalia. The country has been actively involved in training Somali security forces and providing crucial development aid.
Boosting Somalia's Economy
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud highlighted that the new facility will not only create employment opportunities but also generate revenue for Somalia. This initiative is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy.
Unique Strategic Location
Located at the eastern edge of Africa, Somalia offers an ideal location for launching rockets towards the Indian Ocean. This strategic positioning minimizes the risk of debris affecting nearby residential areas or other countries.
Turkey's Space Ambitions
The rocket-launching facility in Somalia aligns with Turkey's ambitious plans to participate in the global space race. With a 10-year space roadmap unveiled earlier this year, Turkey aims to undertake missions to the moon, establish a spaceport, and develop advanced satellite systems.
Recent Milestones in Turkey's Space Program
Earlier in 2021, Turkey celebrated a significant milestone as Alper Gezeravcı became the first Turkish astronaut to travel to space. Gezeravcı spent nearly three weeks at the International Space Station (ISS), marking a historic moment for Turkey's space exploration efforts.
