Türkiye to build spaceport in Somalia for rocket, missile tests

Türkiye is set to construct a spaceport in Somalia, marking a significant step in its space and defense ambitions, officials announced. The facility, led by the Türkiye Space Agency (TUA), will serve as a launch site for rockets and a testing ground for long-range missiles, with construction expected to begin soon.

In December 2024, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud announced the project in Mogadishu, highlighting its role as a collaborative effort with Türkiye.

According to Türkiye Daily, the Türkiye Space Agency will oversee the development of the spaceport, which is poised to become Africa’s first space launch facility. A 900-square-kilometer area along the Indian Ocean coast has been allocated for the project, with its equatorial location ideal for efficient space launches.

The spaceport’s construction is expected to commence following a bidding process in the coming weeks. Authorities project completion within two years, with costs estimated at $350 million across multiple phases. The facility’s strategic position near the equator will allow launches with less fuel and greater payload capacity, officials said.