Turkey begins construction of spaceport in Somalia

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has announced the commencement of construction on a space launch facility in Somalia. Speaking at the International Astronautical Congress in Antalya, Erdoğan described the project as a strategic partnership intended to strengthen Turkey’s space capabilities and contribute to the development of the space ecosystem across Africa.

The facility is expected to provide Turkey with independent access to space. Due to its proximity to the equator, the Somali coast offers a significant advantage for rocket launches, as the Earth’s rotation provides a natural boost that requires less fuel to escape gravity. While the exact location was not specified, reports suggest the site may be near the coastal town of Warsheikh in the Middle Shabelle region.

The project is part of Turkey’s National Space Program, which includes a planned lunar mission targeted for the first half of 2027. Turkey’s lunar spacecraft, which features over 80 percent domestic content, has completed manufacturing and assembly and is currently undergoing testing. The spaceport's first phase is also targeted for readiness in early 2027.