Within the framework of the National Space Program, Turkey, seeking to cement its name in the “space homeland,” has allocated 8 billion 729 million liras next year for the implementation of projects in this area.
According to data collected by Anadolu correspondent from the Draft Law on the Central Administration Budget for 2026, after the first manned space flight, Türkiye began to actively declare about itself in space and plans to expand its research in this area.
The program will support efforts to locally produce critical materials and components for strategic industries such as space, aviation and defense. Development of applications such as low-cost small satellite platforms is planned to enhance technological capabilities in the space technology sector. R&D will also be carried out to create new satellite technologies.
Record budget
To implement all these projects, the budget for space and aviation in 2025 amounted to 5 billion 52 million liras, and for 2026 it reached a record level of 8 billion 729 million liras.
These funds confirm Turkey’s determination within the framework of the National space program following the scientific missions of astronauts Alper Gezeravcı and Tuva Cihangir Atasever, as well as the launch of the TÜRKSAT 6A satellite.
Turkey is also preparing to host the International Space Congress (IAC), the world’s largest space event, from October 5 to 9, 2026 in Antalya. The Congress will bring together authoritative experts, states, scientists and investors, creating a platform for new collaborations.
Work continues to achieve “first contact with the Moon.” As part of the Lunar Project, a spacecraft is planned to be launched in 2027, the development and production of which is carried out by TÜBİTAK UZAY.
TUA Budget
Turkey also intends to complete the creation of the Center for Applied Space Aviation to observe and model changes in the space environment.
Turkish Space Agency (TUA) budget for 2026, aimed at supporting all these initiatives will amount to 5 billion 911 million liras.
In addition, through the National Space Program, Turkey seeks to create a commercial brand to compete in the global market in the development of new generation satellites. The main goals include the development of a regional positioning and timing system, providing access to space, building a spaceport, investing in space meteorology and increasing competencies in this field.