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Space · Tuesday, September 15, 2026 · 5 sources

Türkiye completes first lunar spacecraft, begins testing ahead of 2027 Moon mission

Türkiye has finished production and assembly of its first homegrown lunar spacecraft, now sent to Turkish Aerospace Industries for environmental testing. Industry Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacır said the 3.5-tonne craft aims to make Türkiye the ninth country to reach the Moon, with over 80% domestic content.

Bottom line — Türkiye aims to launch from Kennedy Space Center in early 2027, targeting a 100-kilometre polar orbit around the Moon.

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  • The spacecraft will study solar winds, water formation, magnetic fields and surface radiation using domestically developed instruments, per Kacır.
  • After the scientific mission, Türkiye plans to guide the craft to the lunar surface using a homegrown hybrid propulsion system, the minister said.
  • The craft incorporates flight, communications and power systems from previous satellite programmes Imece and Türksat 6A, achieving an 80% domestic production rate, according to Kacır.
  • Testing will simulate launch and space conditions, including thermal vacuum, structural and electromagnetic compatibility checks, the minister explained.
  • Kacır said the Moon Research Programme has reached 77% completion since its launch in early 2022.
  • Türkiye recently joined the Artemis Accords and is building a spaceport in Somalia, while also developing the Türksat 7A satellite and Imece-2/3 constellations, the minister added.
  • Ankara will host the 77th International Astronautical Congress in Antalya in October 2026, expected to draw nearly 10,000 participants, per Kacır.

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Last generated: Sep 15, 11:30 AM UTC by wreetco wreetco

dstld. Your daily news summary designed to surface the news that matters from a European perspective. Curated by humans, summarized by AI - always with links back to the original reporting.

Links · Contact
Popular topics · WorldEuropeGamesAI
Last generated: Sep 15, 11:30 AM UTC by wreetco wreetco