Turkish Industry Minister: We Have Completed the First Domestic Lunar Landing Vehicle

Kajar said at a press conference held in front of the spacecraft today that one of the key objectives of the National Space Program is to reach the Moon using a spacecraft developed and manufactured by Turkey using its own capabilities.

He added that the number of countries that have successfully reached the Moon to date does not exceed eight, and when Turkey successfully accomplishes this mission, it will become the ninth country to do so.

He noted that the spacecraft is more advanced than the satellite projects Turkey has implemented so far, pointing out that its weight is approximately 3.5 tons. After launch, it will first move into an elliptical orbit around Earth, and then, through engine firings, it will head to the Moon’s transfer orbit, thereby beginning its journey there.

He continued, “As we approach the Moon, we will conduct additional engine firings. This time, the spacecraft will enter lunar orbit and function as a satellite. Ultimately, upon completing its mission, it will land on the Moon’s surface.”

He said, “As part of this mission, for the first time in world history, we will ignite the hybrid propulsion system and the hybrid rocket engine that we have developed and manufactured entirely using local and national capabilities.”

He indicated that the launch will take place in the early months of 2027 from the Kennedy Space Center in the United States, adding, “We have reached this stage after developing and producing 100 percent of the software using local and national capabilities.”