Turkey finalizes spacecraft for its inaugural lunar mission slated for early 2027

Turkey has completed the production, assembly and integration of its first lunar spacecraft, a 3.5-ton vehicle built with more than 80% domestic content, according to Industry and Technology Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacır. The probe has been moved to Turkish Aerospace Industries' Space Systems Integration and Test Center for environmental, thermal-vacuum, structural and electromagnetic compatibility tests. Planned for launch in the early months of 2027 from Kennedy Space Center, the craft will spend roughly two months traveling to the Moon and then orbit at about 100 km in a polar, circular path for at least three months, possibly extending to 18 months.

Its scientific payload will examine solar-wind interactions, lunar water formation, magnetic fields and surface thermal properties, as well as conduct radiation measurements with home-grown instruments. Following the orbital phase, the spacecraft will perform controlled deceleration maneuvers to approach the lunar surface, employing a domestically developed hybrid propulsion system for both orbit-raising and final descent. The mission is part of Turkey’s broader Moon Research Program, which is 77% complete and aims to boost national technological independence and participation in the global space economy.