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Turkey says it intends to send its first lunar probe into space early next year. The report comes from the Chinese state news agency Xinhua, citing Turkish government and space officials. No concrete details have been given so far on the launch vehicle or the exact mission profile.
The announcement fits a broader trend in which several nations with previously modest space programs have unveiled lunar ambitions in recent years. Turkey had already outlined its moon plans earlier, including a landing as part of a second development phase.
Observers note in this context the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), which China wants to build together with international partners. Whether the Turkish mission is embedded in that framework or remains purely national cannot be determined from the report. The source also gives no indication of possible cooperation with other spacefaring nations.
According to Xinhua, the announced timeframe of early 2026 remains a planning target and could shift. Turkey has so far not launched a satellite into orbit on its own with a national mission, which would make a lunar flight a symbolic prestige project.