Turkish sources revealed new details of joint projects with Somalia, explaining that the Somali space missile launch center known as “Spaceport” has already entered the construction phase, in a historic step that would make Somalia the first country in Africa to own a space missile launch center, and the third Muslim-majority country to enter this field after Kazakhstan and Iran.
According to the Turkish Center for Studies, the center is being established in an undisclosed location along the Somali coast overlooking the Indian Ocean, as the site has rare geographical features, most notably the eastern direction and proximity to the equator, which gives launch operations higher efficiency in terms of fuel consumption, and provides access to a wide range of space orbits at lower costs compared to traditional sites.
Somali space project
The first, second and even third stages of the heavy missiles will be able to land safely in the Indian Ocean within areas of low maritime traffic, which reduces operational risks and insurance costs. The presence of a nearby seaport also facilitates the rapid and efficient transfer of payloads and missile parts when needed.
The space center is scheduled to include integrated facilities, including a launch control building equipped with engineering and service facilities, in addition to spaces designated for visitors and the media. The complex will also contain hangars for assembling engines and missiles, a railway system to transport the assembled missiles to launch pads, in addition to multiple installation systems and launch towers designed to accommodate different types of missiles used globally.
The center will provide space launch services at the international level, with expectations that it will become one of the most important sources of income for the capital, Mogadishu, according to a revenue-sharing mechanism equally between Somalia and Turkey.
The project is also expected to contribute to providing thousands of job opportunities in the engineering, technical and manufacturing fields with lucrative salaries, in addition to stimulating the industrial, hospitality and business services sectors in the country.
Observers believe that the new space complex will contribute significantly to enhancing Somalia's image on the international scene, supporting political stability and strengthening federal unity, as well as creating additional sources of income through foreign direct investments and stimulating tourism in various parts of the country.
