In A Discussion With Elon Musk, President Erdogan Targets Turkey To Land In The Month Of 2023

Illustration. (SpaceX / Unsplash)

JAKARTA - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has targeted a lunar lander in 2023, as one of Turkey's national space programs. This step will be achieved with international cooperation.

"The first rough landings will be made on the moon on our national and authentic hybrid rocket, which will be launched into orbit by the end of 2023 through international cooperation", Erdogan said.

Erdogan did not elaborate on the cooperation. However, last month Erdogan spoke with Tesla and SpaceX boss Elon Musk about possible cooperation in space technology with Turkish firms.

Speaking at an event in Ankara, Erdogan announced a program with 10 strategic objectives, including sending Turkish citizens on scientific missions in space.

Last month, Turkey launched its Turksat 5A satellite into orbit from the United States in collaboration with SpaceX. The Turksat 5B satellite is planned to be launched in the second quarter of 2021.

"Turkey aims to achieve its strategic space objectives within 10 years. Turkey will increase work on satellite technology and build spaceports with other allied nations", Erdogan said.

Previously, Turkey launched reconnaissance and communications satellites, set up a satellite system integration and testing center, and produced a domestic HD satellite called IMECE which is expected to be launched in 2022.

“Our feet will be on the earth, but our eyes will be in the sky. Our roots will be in the earth, our branches will rise to the sky”, he concluded meaningfully.