Türkiye allocates $161M for space exploration in 2025
Turkey's first domestic and national communication satellite, Turksat 6A, was launched into space at 02:30 Turkish time from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, USA, by SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket, Florida, July 9, 2024 (AA Photo)
Türkiye has announced a significant increase in its budget for space exploration and aviation, allocating ₺5.5 billion ($161.17 million) for 2025 as part of its National Space Program.
The expanded budget follows Türkiye’s successful first manned space mission in 2023 and reflects the country’s growing commitment to advancing its capabilities in space exploration and technology.
Budget increase supports key projects
According to the 2025 Central Government Budget Law Proposal, the budget for space and aviation will rise to over ₺5 billion, up from ₺4 billion in 2024. The increase in funding is aimed at supporting critical projects such as the “First Contact with the Moon” mission, planned for 2026, and the continued development of Türkiye’s domestic satellite Turksat 6A.
By 2027, the space and aviation budget is expected to reach ₺7 billion, further supporting the expansion of Türkiye’s space activities.
Major space milestones ahead
Türkiye’s ambitious space program includes plans to achieve the first contact with the Moon by 2026, with the spacecraft currently being designed and produced by TUBITAK Space. The program also aims to establish a regional positioning system, increase space weather monitoring capabilities, and build a spaceport for launching missions.
In addition, Türkiye will host the International Astronautical Congress (IAC), the world’s largest space event, in Antalya in 2026.
Investments in deep space and technology
Looking ahead to 2027, Türkiye plans to focus on the development of fusion technology to support propulsion systems for deep space missions. The government has allocated nearly ₺7 billion to advance these technologies, including the completion of a research and development (R&D) center dedicated to fusion propulsion.
Türkiye’s space economy ambitions
Türkiye aims to solidify its position in the global space economy, which is expected to grow to $1 trillion (₺34 trillion) in the coming years.
The country is working to increase its share of this market by focusing on developing a new commercial satellite brand, launching space-related businesses, and creating a space technology development zone.
