Türkiye begins construction on strategic space port in Somalia

Türkiye has moved into the construction phase of a strategic space port to be built on Somali territory, a project designed to secure its independent access to space and establish a competitive position in the global space economy. Industry and Technology Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacir announced on Tuesday that feasibility and design work is complete and initial construction has begun on land allocated to Türkiye under a bilateral cooperation agreement with Somalia.

A Strategic Location for Launch Advantages

Minister Kacir detailed that Somalia's geographical location near the equator offers significant technical and economic benefits for satellite launches. The coastal position, favorable year-round weather conditions, and low air-sea traffic density enhance launch safety, efficiency, and scheduling flexibility. "As a result of the feasibility studies conducted, Somalia emerged as the most advantageous region for space port investment," Kacir stated, explaining that these factors would make Türkiye's launch systems globally competitive.

Forging Strategic Independence in Space Technology

The project is a core component of Türkiye's National Space Program, coordinated by the Ministry of Industry and Technology and the Turkish Space Agency (TUA). Kacir emphasized that owning an independent launch site is a "historic milestone" that will eliminate external dependency in a critical strategic domain. It will enable the fully independent launch of domestically developed satellite vehicles and foster a comprehensive industrial ecosystem in rocket engines, propulsion systems, advanced materials, and avionics, ensuring permanent technological gains.

Economic and Global Market Ambitions

Beyond strategic autonomy, the space port is envisioned as revenue-generating infrastructure. Kacir highlighted its capacity to serve the burgeoning global commercial space market through satellite launch services, testing, and integration activities. This investment, he noted, would provide "long-term and high multiplier effect gains" for Türkiye while also contributing to Somalia's own development. The project positions Türkiye to join an exclusive club of nations with independent launch capabilities, elevating its global prestige and influence in the space sector.