Turkey's lunar ambition: Hybrid engine tested for 2027 Moon landing

Turkey has officially scheduled the launch of its first national lunar mission for the first few months of 2027. The project centers on the deployment of a domestically developed hybrid rocket propulsion system to transport a spacecraft to Earth's satellite.

Mehmet Fatih Kacır, Turkey's Minister of Industry and Technology, stated that preparations for the mission have reached the final stage. The primary technical focus is the hybrid engine, designed to provide the necessary maneuverability and reliability for the lunar transit. Government officials approved the launch schedule following the completion of all key system tests.

The mission is part of a broader state strategy titled "National Technological Leap." According to Minister Kacır, the developments achieved during the creation of the lunar vehicle will be integrated into the defense sector to strengthen national security.

The National Space Program is being executed by three primary organizations: ROKETSAN, TÜBİTAK SAGE, and Delta V. These entities are focusing on deep space research and the development of rocket technologies capable of delivering payloads beyond low Earth orbit.

Astronomer Pavel Gromov noted that the lunar program follows Turkey's previous achievements in unmanned aviation and requires the synchronization of hundreds of enterprises, providing an impulse to the national economy. However, physicist Dmitry Lapshin emphasized that the mission's success depends not only on propulsion but also on the industry's ability to create reliable navigation systems capable of operating in aggressive space environments.

Questions about the Turkish Lunar Program

Why were hybrid engines selected?

Hybrid rocket engines are considered more cost-effective and safer to operate than purely liquid analogs, while allowing thrust regulation necessary for a soft landing on the lunar surface.

Who will provide the launch services?

Turkey may use international launch providers in the initial phase, though the strategic goal is to utilize domestic launch vehicles currently under development by ROKETSAN.

How does this relate to the defense industry?

Thrust vector control, high-precision navigation, and materials science developed for space have dual-use applications that enhance the country's missile potential.

Source: This article was adapted from an original Russian-language publication by Pravda.Ru.