Turkey has officially begun the first phase of construction of a strategic spaceport in Somalia to ensure independent access to orbit. Project, which is part of the National Space Program, aimed at eliminating external dependence in the framework of satellite launches and positioning the country as a competitive player in the global space market.
The choice of Somalia to host the spaceport is due to its proximity to the equator, which gives a technical advantage for satellite launches. Because the Earth's rotation speed is greatest at the equator, rockets, launched from this latitude, require less fuel to launch heavy payloads into orbit compared to higher latitudes. in addition, Somalia's coastal geography allows launch trajectories over open water, reducing risks to populated areas. The spaceport was designed taking into account a three-stage development plan:
- Національна автономія – забезпечення запусків вітчизняних турецьких супутників на низьку навколоземну орбіту (LEO) та геостаціонарну орбіту (GEO).
- Industrial development - deepening of domestic capabilities in the production of rocket engines, propulsion systems, avionics and ground support infrastructure.
- Commercialization – the opening of the facility for international clients of the private sector
with the aim of generating revenue and providing launch services in the global market.
Об’єкт буде захищений наявними рамками безпеки, включно з усталеною турецькою військовою присутністю в регіоні. The agency plans to achieve initial operational readiness of the facility in the first months 2027 year.
Source: https://news.satnews.com