Türkiye Space Agency

The Turkish Space Agency (TUA) is a state institution established by Presidential Decree No. 23 on December 13, 2018. The Agency is tasked with determining and implementing Türkiye’s space strategies. TUA’s three main areas of activity are the National Space Program, education and social awareness initiatives, and international cooperation. Each of these areas is planned and executed with its own sub-components.

Establishment

The Turkish Space Agency (TUA) was established by Presidential Decree No. 23 dated December 13, 2018. According to the decree, TUA operates as a state institution with legal personality, administrative and financial autonomy, and a separate budget, under the Ministry of Industry and Technology. The Agency’s headquarters are in Ankara. Since its establishment, TUA has assumed the responsibility of preparing and implementing the National Space Program in accordance with space policies set by the President, as well as defining medium- and long-term strategies in space and aerospace science and technology. While TUA’s history includes numerous national initiatives such as indigenous satellite development and space technology projects, its legal establishment date is recognized as 2018.

Legal and Institutional Foundation

TUA’s establishment and powers are regulated by Presidential Decree No. 23. Under this decree, TUA is an institution affiliated with the Ministry of Industry and Technology, possessing a separate budget and autonomous structure. The decree defines the Agency’s objectives and responsibilities, listing as primary duties the preparation of the National Space Program in alignment with government policies, the formulation of strategic plans, and the establishment of human resource infrastructure. This decree, which has the force of law, also regulates budgetary principles, personnel employment, and scholarship and support programs. The Agency is also entrusted with coordinating obligations arising from international space agreements, such as the United Nations Outer Space Treaties, as published in the Official Gazette.

Organizational Structure

TUA’s organs and units include the Board of Directors and the Presidency, as well as service units to be established as needed. The Board of Directors is the highest decision-making body of the Agency and consists of seven members including the Chair. The Chair of the Board also serves as the Agency’s President. Board members serve three-year terms and may be reappointed upon expiration of their term. The Board meets at least once a month; a quorum of four members is required for decisions. The Board of Directors carries out duties including approving strategic plans, performance programs, budgets, and activity reports; determining organizational charts of units; formulating human resources policies; evaluating work outcomes; and deciding on the establishment of new offices domestically or internationally. The Presidency consists of the President and two Deputy Presidents. The Agency President is responsible for representing the Agency externally, chairing the Board of Directors, and managing the Agency’s daily operations in accordance with Board decisions. Deputy Presidents are responsible for executing tasks assigned by the President. TUA Presidents and executive personnel are appointed and granted rights in accordance with the supplementary provisions of Decree-Law No. 375. As of November 2023, Yusuf Kıraç serves as President of the Turkish Space Agency; he was appointed by Presidential Decree published in the Official Gazette No. 32332 on October 7, 2023.

Board of Directors

Chair of the Board

• Yusuf Kıraç

Board Members

• Alper Gezeravcı
• Mustafa Arif Karabeyoğlu
• Elvan Kuzucu Hıdır
• Alper Güzel
• Mustafa Mehmet Nefes
• İsmail Doğan

Corporate Structure and Management

• Management Bodies: Board of Directors and Presidency
• Board of Directors: Composed of seven members; the Agency President chairs the Board
• Agency President: Yusuf Kıraç (assumed office: October 2023)
• Personnel Structure: Civil servants, expert cadre, and temporarily assigned technical personnel
• Employment Status: Governed by the provisions of Decree-Law No. 375 and Presidential Decrees

Mission and Authority

TUA’s responsibilities span a broad range of areas. Its principal authorities and duties, as outlined in the decree, can be summarized as follows:

Strategic Planning and Program Development:

Preparing and implementing the National Space Program in accordance with policies determined by the President; developing strategic plans containing medium- and long-term goals, performance indicators, and resource allocation for space and aerospace science and technology. The Board of Directors approves and monitors these plans and programs.

Legal Regulations and Standards:

Establishing domestic regulations outside the frequency/orbit allocation frameworks of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the Information Technologies Authority; defining procedures and principles for the use of space rights; signing necessary agreements to fulfill national obligations.

Spacecraft and Licensing:

Conducting or coordinating operations such as commercial, scientific, or research-oriented satellite and rocket launches, as well as crewed or uncrewed space missions; granting permissions and ensuring coordination for the orbital deployment, launch, and recovery of satellites belonging to public and private sectors. TUA is also responsible for registering launch and deployment notifications to foreign countries.

Technological and Scientific R&D:

Supporting and directly planning and financing projects involving the design, production, integration, and testing of hardware and software such as spacecraft, ground systems, launch vehicles, and simulators. Launching and supporting R&D projects in space and aerospace technologies in cooperation with TÜBİTAK.

Infrastructure and System Management:

Regulating, monitoring, and, where necessary, authorizing all activities related to the design, production, testing, and integration of space and aerospace technologies and ground systems developed by public and private sectors. Coordinating with relevant institutions for the use of space-derived data for public purposes such as disaster management, security, agriculture, and the environment.

Education, Communication, and Support:

Increasing public interest in space sciences, leading initiatives to develop qualified human resources through education and events; organizing publications, seminars, and events related to Agency activities. Additionally, one of the Agency’s responsibilities is to launch scholarship calls through TÜBİTAK to support young researchers via scholarships and doctoral programs.

International Cooperation and Law:

Monitoring developments in space law, cooperating with international organizations and networks; representing Türkiye in international bodies such as the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS); conducting bilateral and multilateral agreements and projects within TUA’s areas of activity.

Areas of Activity

Within the scope of its duties, TUA operates in technical areas such as organizing satellite and rocket launches, developing space technologies, establishing satellite communication and observation systems, and operating ground control stations. Additionally, the Agency is responsible for the public utilization of ground systems observing space, the use of space data for national defense and security, the conduct of space law studies, and the determination of national standards. Promoting human resource development in STEM fields through education and capacity-building initiatives, organizing public space programs, and supporting young scientists are also key components of the Agency’s activity program.

Budget and Financial Resources

TUA is a institution with a separate budget, with a significant portion of its income derived from allocations from the General Budget. Sources of income include fees for permits related to space activities, revenue from consultancy services, patent and licensing income, and donations and aid. Additionally, supplementary support is provided to the Agency’s budget, including 20 percent of the previous year’s revenue from the TÜBİTAK Space Technologies Research Institute (UZAY) and a 20 percent share transferred from the General Directorate of Civil Aviation. Unspent allocations may be carried forward to the following year. For example, TUA’s 2024 budget estimate was set at approximately 1.57 billion TL. The Board of Directors approves and implements the budget prepared by the Presidency.

Human Resources

Agency personnel are primarily provided through temporary assignments from existing public institutions; in necessary cases, domestic or foreign experts may be employed under the conditions stipulated by Decree-Law No. 375. A 2019 regulation added the titles of Space Technology Expert and Assistant Space Technology Expert to the Agency’s cadre. The salaries of the President and Deputy Presidents are recognized as equivalent to those of senior-level managers as defined in the relevant decree-laws. TUA, in cooperation with TÜBİTAK, organizes scholarship programs and launches calls for R&D projects to meet its human resource needs, thereby contributing to the training of experts and the development of qualified engineers and scientists.

National Space Program

The National Space Program (NSP) is a roadmap outlining Türkiye’s vision, strategy, goals, and projects in space policy for the next decade. The National Space Program Strategy Document, prepared by TUA and covering the period 2022–2030, has been published in the Official Gazette, with its objectives and components detailed therein. The program’s fundamental aims include developing emerging space technologies and infrastructure within Türkiye, reducing external dependency, utilizing space activities as instruments for national development, converting existing achievements into national technologies, contributing to humanity’s scientific heritage, and increasing public awareness of space.

Major projects planned under the National Space Program include:

• Ay Araştırma Programı (AYAP): In the first phase (AYAP-1), fundamental space technologies (such as level control software, communication, autonomy, and propulsion systems) are to be tested; this phase was targeted for completion by the end of 2023. In the second phase, the AYAP-2 spacecraft, to be launched by a national launch vehicle, will perform a soft landing on the Moon in 2028 and conduct scientific research using a surface rover. If successful, this experience will inform future missions to Mars, asteroids, and other destinations.
• Domestic Satellite Development Program: The goal is to consolidate satellite production activities under a single umbrella and establish an internationally competitive satellite brand. Under TUA coordination, domestic satellites will be developed, and ground control infrastructure and production capabilities will be strengthened through collaboration with relevant institutions.
• Regional Positioning and Timing System (RPTS): The aim is to establish a regional PNT system as an alternative to global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) to ensure critical needs are met even in the event of potential GNSS disruptions. This program prioritizes maintaining the country’s positioning and timing requirements with minimal impact, while providing users with higher accuracy and accessibility.
• Access to Space and Spaceport: The development of a national launch vehicle and associated infrastructure is planned to enable access to space. A key priority project is the establishment of a spaceport (launch site) within Türkiye to gain orbital satellite launch capacity.
• Space Object Tracking and Space Weather: The establishment of observation infrastructure to monitor satellites and space objects, as well as space weather events (e.g., solar storms), with the aim of enhancing domestic capabilities in space security and satellite safety.
• Space Industry Ecosystem: Support is planned for the development of space technology firms and R&D centers, and efforts have begun to establish a space technology development zone. All these activities will strengthen Türkiye’s space industry infrastructure and contribute to efficiency and employment.
• Space Science, Exploration, and Human Resources: Projects will be conducted in space science, research tools, and crewed space missions; educational programs will be developed to guide youth and researchers toward the space field. The Turkish Astronaut and Science Mission Program aims to send Türkiye’s first astronaut to space (planned for 2021 and beyond).

The official document of the National Space Program was published at the end of 2022, and its details are accessible on the TUA website. The program encompasses a comprehensive ecosystem approach, integrating components ranging from human resources to technology, from international cooperation to infrastructure facilities.

The photograph shows Tuva Cihangir Atasever engaged with a device or equipment in an engineering or aerospace environment. The image documents a technical preparation or simulation process.

In the photograph, Alper Gezeravcı is inside a spacecraft module simulator. The image documents an educational, testing, or procedure application activity, indicating a preparation process related to space missions.

^{Preparation for Space Mission: Educational and Testing Process Footage, (Source:} TUA⁾

The Turkish Space Agency (TUA) has published this video to document various stages of preparation for space missions. The footage shows practical training conducted by astronaut candidates in simulation environments, coordination efforts with ground support teams, and technical testing moments. The video is considered part of pre-mission procedures, equipment usage, and adaptation to environmental conditions, providing visual content on the operational preparation process.

Education and Social Awareness Initiatives

TUA conducts various education and awareness activities to increase public interest in space and aerospace topics and to guide future generations toward these fields. The Agency’s official website provides space resources prepared for students and educators (STEM-focused educational materials, activity suggestions). For example, space-themed coloring books for different age groups, small rocket and satellite projects that can be done at home (such as paper rocket construction, star atlas creation, CubeSat design guides), and project idea documents for high school and university students have been published. The purpose of these materials is to foster positive attitudes toward space science and encourage youth to pursue STEM fields such as aerospace engineering. TUA also supports competitions and events. For instance, in 2024, in cooperation with the Ministry of National Education, Türkiye held a drawing competition titled “My First Human Spaceflight” (for primary school level) and a composition competition titled “I Should Be the Next Astronaut” (for middle school level). These competitions aim to increase youth interest in space. Scholarship and education programs are also part of social awareness initiatives. Through its membership in APSCO (Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization), TUA provides Türkiye with master’s and doctoral scholarship programs. For example, in 2022, graduate scholarship applications were accepted in the fields of space communications, remote sensing, and small satellite technologies at Beihang University through a collaboration between APSCO and the Chinese Government. Similarly, in 2024, TUA launched a call for master’s and doctoral scholarships at the Beijing Institute of Technology. Successful candidates in these programs receive funding support from APSCO.

In addition, TUA plans to contribute to seminars in schools, observatories, summer camps, and science festivals, and continues to inform the public about space topics through social media and publications. The goal of education and awareness activities is to both enhance human resource capacity and promote public understanding of space technologies.

Activities:

• Educational materials (e.g., paper rocket guide, space coloring book)
• Competitions for middle and high school students (drawing, composition)
• STEM-based activity suggestions for students and teachers
• Project support for university students
• Graduate scholarship calls with APSCO and Chinese universities
• Contribution to science festivals and space-themed events

National and International Cooperation

While implementing Türkiye’s space policies, TUA collaborates with numerous institutions and organizations. Domestically, joint projects are conducted with TÜBİTAK, TUSAŞ, ROKETSAN, TÜBİTAK UZAY, defense industry companies, and universities. Internationally, the Turkish Space Agency is a member of various organizations, including the Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization (APSCO); Türkiye is one of the founding members of APSCO alongside China, Pakistan, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Peru, Iran, Mongolia, and Thailand. Additionally, Türkiye became a member of the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) in 2009 and actively participates in global platforms such as COPUOS and COSPAR to represent the country’s space endeavors. Through such international cooperation, TUA aims to benefit from global opportunities in knowledge sharing, technology transfer, and human resource development.

With this structure, the Turkish Space Agency carries out its duties of planning, coordinating, and overseeing space programs within the framework of its founding law, playing a central role in regulating and supporting space activities.

Memberships:

• United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS)
• Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization (APSCO)
• Islamic Countries Space Network (ISNET)
• International Astronautical Federation (IAF)
• Eurisy, COSPAR, IAA

Bilateral Cooperation:

Japan, China, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Pakistan, Hungary, among others.

Private Sector Meetings:

SpaceX, Axiom Space, Rocket Lab, Blue Origin

As a member of COPUOS (United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space), Türkiye has been a party to five space treaties since 1977. TUA participates in COPUOS meetings to coordinate Türkiye’s positions on space law and cooperation matters.

In addition, the main international organizations of which TUA is a member include: Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization (APSCO) – Türkiye is one of the nine founding members and signed the accession agreement on June 1, 2006; Islamic Countries Space Science Network (ISNET) – Türkiye was among the founding members of this network established among IIO countries in 1987; European Space Year Organization (Eurisy) – Türkiye joined Eurisy in 2007 through TÜBİTAK; International Astronautical Federation (IAF) – Türkiye became a member in 2009 represented by TÜBİTAK; and cooperation also exists with scientific organizations such as COSPAR and IAA. These memberships provide platforms that enable Türkiye to participate in international space projects and enhance information and technology sharing.

In addition, TUA is developing direct cooperation with various countries. Bilateral space cooperation agreements have been signed with Ukraine, Hungary, and Kazakhstan since 2020; similar memoranda of understanding have been prepared with countries such as Japan, Pakistan, Azerbaijan, Russia, Indonesia, and China. Furthermore, project-based discussions have been held with international space companies such as SpaceX, Blue Origin, Axiom, Lockheed Martin, and Rocket Lab, evaluating cooperation opportunities in technology development and joint missions. Meanwhile, relations with the European Space Agency (ESA) are also on TUA’s agenda: in 2020, a study report was prepared examining the feasibility of Türkiye’s ESA membership with sector stakeholders.

These comprehensive international cooperation efforts increase Türkiye’s knowledge base in space activities and enable the development of mutually beneficial projects with other countries and international organizations. Through TUA’s coordinated initiatives, Türkiye strengthens its position as an active member of the global space community.

Turkish Space Agency Projects

The Agency is planning lunar missions under the National Space Program through the Ay Araştırma Programı (AYAP-1), developing a space-qualified atomic clock under the UTAS-R project, and enhancing high-resolution Earth observation capacity through the İMECE satellite. Additionally, the Micro Satellite Launch System (MUFS) project aims to give Türkiye independent satellite launch capability. Projects such as TÜRKSAT 6A, GÖKTÜRK-1, and GÖKTÜRK-2 are developing communication and observation satellites. Other initiatives such as the LAGARİ microsatellite, HALE electric propulsion system, and RASAT are advancing various space technologies. Through these projects, TUA aims to establish Türkiye as an independent and sustainable presence in space.

Key Projects Included:

• AYAP-1 – Lunar Research Program Phase 1
• UTAS-R – Space-Qualified Atomic Clock Development
• MUFS – Micro Satellite Launch System
• HALE – Hall Effect Propulsion System
• LAGARİ – Micro Earth Observation Satellite
• TÜRKSAT 6A – Domestic Communication Satellite
• GÖKTÜRK-1 – High-Resolution Optical Satellite
• GÖKTÜRK-2 – Medium-to-High Resolution Optical Satellite
• RASAT – Domestic Micro Observation Satellite
• İMECE – High-Resolution Observation Satellite

AYAP-1

AYAP-1 (Lunar Research Program Phase 1) is a mission led by the Turkish Space Agency aimed at sending a national rover to the lunar surface. TUA serves as the coordinating institution, with domestic industry and research organizations (TUSAŞ, ROKETSAN, TÜBİTAK SAGE, etc.) collaborating on spacecraft design and integration. Technically, a lunar spacecraft is envisioned, although detailed technical specifications have not yet been disclosed. In terms of development progress, risk analyses have been completed and preliminary design work finalized; the project has entered the critical design phase. The first phase aims to place the spacecraft in orbit and achieve a successful landing. International cooperation details have not yet been specified.

UTAS-R

The UTAS-R project, conducted in cooperation between the Turkish Space Agency and TÜBİTAK UME, aims to adapt and test a domestically produced rubidium-based atomic clock for space environments. TÜBİTAK UME has developed a laboratory-grade rubidium atomic clock; TUA is responsible for qualifying the clock for space conditions and verifying its performance in actual space environments. This enables the development of the atomic clock to withstand space conditions, followed by its launch and performance testing. Advanced optical clocks are also being developed under the project. The project is currently in the design and testing phase; the launch date has not yet been announced.

MUFS (Micro Satellite Launch System)

The MUFS project is a micro satellite launch vehicle developed by ROKETSAN at the request of the Presidency of Defense Industries. The goal is to establish a fully domestic launch vehicle and associated infrastructure capable of placing microsatellites weighing up to 100 kg into Low Earth Orbit at an altitude of 400 km. Under the project, ROKETSAN engineers are working on multi-stage solid and liquid propellant rocket technologies and conducting relevant tests. According to the development schedule, four sounding rocket tests were successfully completed by 2020; a test flight carrying a 100 kg satellite to 300 km altitude was conducted in 2023, with the final vehicle configuration capable of placing a 100 kg satellite into 400 km orbit targeted for 2026.

Technical specifications (estimated): 100 kg payload capacity, ~400 km orbital altitude, multi-stage solid/liquid rocket motors. The development process is rapid; domestic sounding rocket tests were conducted between 2017 and 2020, achieving controlled flight beyond orbit and rocket staging capability. The current status is conceptual design, with initial launch tests planned for future years. The project is conducted entirely with national capabilities, without international cooperation.

• Propulsion system: Solid propellant rocket motors (IVC features), hybrid balance control.
• Initial tests: Four successful sounding rocket flights between 2017 and 2020
• Target mission: 100 kg to 300 km in 2023, 100 kg to 400 km in 2026

HALE (Hall Effect Propulsion Development Project)

HALE is an infrastructure project carried out at TÜBİTAK UZAY. The goal is to establish test facilities capable of conducting original research and development in Hall effect (electric) propulsion systems. The project is implemented with support from the Ministry of Industry and Technology (formerly the Ministry of Development), and an electric propulsion technology test infrastructure is being constructed within TÜBİTAK UZAY Institute. Upon completion, the facility will enable Türkiye to meet its short- and long-term national propulsion system needs using domestic resources. Technical details and completion status have not been publicly disclosed.

LAGARİ

LAGARİ is a high-resolution micro Earth observation satellite developed by Defense Technologies Engineering Inc. (STM). Its mission is oriented toward civil-military applications such as tactical imaging, general mapping, forest and vegetation monitoring, agricultural surveys, and disaster tracking. Technical specifications include: approximately two-year mission life, Sun-synchronous low Earth orbit, electronic optical camera (black-and-white and color band imaging), daily minimum capacity of 50 image downloads, high-precision attitude sensors, and Li-Fe batteries. The satellite is designed to be lightweight and compact, with daily access planned for regions including Türkiye. The project is currently in the development phase and will be launched into space through a future satellite launch campaign. No public information is available regarding international cooperation for LAGARİ.

TÜRKSAT 6A

TÜRKSAT 6A is Türkiye’s first domestically developed communication satellite. The project began on December 15, 2014, and is supported by Türksat A.Ş., TÜBİTAK, and relevant ministries. TÜBİTAK UZAY, TUSAŞ, ASELSAN, and CTech played collaborative roles in the project. The satellite is designed for Ku-band transmission with the following technical characteristics: inclined (GEO) orbit, 42° East position, approximately 4250 kg mass, 8.4 kW end-of-life power capacity, >15-year design life, Ku-band transponders. Satellite assembly, integration, and testing were conducted at TUSAŞ’s USET center and launched on July 8, 2024, aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral into a 35,786 km orbit. The operator of the satellite after launch is planned to be Türksat A.Ş. in Türkiye.

• Initiation and developers: TÜBİTAK UZAY (coordination), TUSAŞ (physical systems), ASELSAN/CTECH (transmission equipment)
• Technical specifications: ~4250 kg, 42° East GEO, Ku-band transponders, 8.4 kW power, 15+ year lifespan
• Status: Launched in 2024; currently operational.

GÖKTÜRK-1

GÖKTÜRK-1 is a high-resolution optical Earth observation satellite developed through joint production between TELESPAZIO (Italy) and TUSAŞ under the coordination of the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of National Defense and the Presidency of Defense Industries. A Satellite Assembly, Integration, and Test Center (UMET) was established within TUSAŞ for this satellite. GÖKTÜRK-1 was launched on December 5, 2016, and placed into orbit, and remains operational. It provides detailed military-grade Earth observation data through its high-resolution optical camera. Its mission life is seven years and it continues to perform its operational mission as planned.

GÖKTÜRK-2

GÖKTÜRK-2 is an optical remote sensing satellite developed by TÜBİTAK UZAY and TUSAŞ under the leadership of the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of National Defense and the Presidency of Defense Industries. The satellite, capable of high-resolution photography, was launched in 2012 and remains operational. It was designed to provide extremely high-resolution imagery for military purposes (technically below 2 m resolution) and has provided various geospatial data to military and security units throughout its mission life. Operational services from the project continue to be utilized.

RASAT

RASAT is Türkiye’s second micro remote sensing satellite developed after the BILSAT satellite. The satellite, equipped with an optical (electro-optical) imaging sensor, was launched from Russia on August 17, 2011, and is currently operational. It provides high-resolution imagery for various civil and military applications, primarily cartography, disaster monitoring, agriculture, and environmental surveillance. Technically, RASAT weighs approximately 100 kg and operates in low Earth orbit. Its mission continues uninterrupted, and image data are used by government institutions.

İMECE

İMECE is a remote sensing satellite project developed by TÜBİTAK UZAY for optical imaging purposes. Under this project, the following subsystems will be domestically designed and manufactured: hyperspectral satellite camera, electro-optical imaging camera, communication system, star tracker, sun sensor, reaction wheel (attitude control mechanism), and next-generation flight computer. These subsystems will form the core components of the İMECE satellite and enable autonomous operation in orbit. The project is currently in the development phase, and the next anticipated step (satellite integration and launch) is expected to occur soon.