Türkiye Lunar Research Programme

Türkiye’s Lunar Research Programme is a multi-phase deep-space effort executed by TÜBİTAK UZAY within the National Space Programme. It develops spacecraft, engineering infrastructure and operational experience for lunar exploration. The first phase combines lunar-orbit science with a terminal hard landing; a later phase is intended to validate soft landing and conduct surface research using a rover. The first Turkish Lunar Mission uses the TstarD-100 platform and carries four scientific payloads. The institute reported spacecraft integration complete in September 2026, followed by system-level environmental testing. Its current target is launch in the second quarter of 2027. The orbital mission and later soft-landing phase have different objectives and maturity; future dates remain planning targets.