# Somalia-Turkey space cooperation

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/somalia-turkey-space-cooperation
> Updated: 2026-10-06T10:56:08.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2.

Somalia and Turkey have entered a strategic partnership to develop aerospace capabilities, beginning with plans for Somalia to launch its first satellite by 2027. This initiative involves establishing a facility for scientific research and satellite operations in the Warsheekh area of the Middle Shabelle region, leveraging Somalia’s equatorial location to reduce fuel requirements and increase payload capacity.

Following these initial plans, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced the commencement of construction on a space launch facility in Somalia. This project is integrated into Turkey’s National Space Program and aims to provide Turkey with independent access to space. The first phase of the spaceport is targeted for readiness in early 2027, coinciding with Turkey’s planned lunar mission.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-06: Turkey begins construction of spaceport in Somalia

Turkey has begun constructing a space launch facility in Somalia to support its National Space Program and a planned 2027 lunar mission, aiming to boost space access for Turkey and the African continent.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-begins-construction-of-spaceport-in-somalia

### 2026-09-12: Somalia to launch first satellite by 2027 in partnership with Turkey

Somalia and Turkey are collaborating on a space program aiming for a first satellite launch by 2027, utilizing Somalia's equatorial location and developing broader economic ties in energy and fisheries.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/somalia-to-launch-first-satellite-by-2027-in-partnership-with-turkey

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Cite as: Somalia-Turkey space cooperation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/somalia-turkey-space-cooperation