Spaceturk

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Unfortunately, like most other developing countries, space activities are seen as a luxury in Turkey. The involvement of the private sector, which creates an economic rationale for space activities, is very limited. The national education system is another problematic area since the subject is not well thought, especially in primary schools and colleges. This weakness causes the attention of students to shift to other fields even they are interested in space. Consequently, it becomes extremely challenging to create public awareness related to space. Not all odds are against Turkey, however. The existence of an energetic young population and the public interest towards new technologies indicate a true potential for space activities. This potential was identified by a group of young space activists. Furthermore, it was also realized that a strong space infrastructure is crucial to utilize this potential. In turn, an interdisciplinary platform is needed to take the first step and kick-start this infrastructure. Space Research Working Group, known as SpaceTurk, is that first step.

Established in 1999, SpaceTurk has representatives from the government, private sector and academia and founded totally by volunteers. From the day of its establishment to the present day, the group has always encouraged increasing the related disciplines and supported the participation of new members.

SpaceTurk believe that it is imperative for developing countries in general, and Turkey in particular, to take part in this dynamism. At the same time, SpaceTurk are very well aware that establishing a space program in a developing country is not an easy task. The required space infrastructure to support an advanced space research agenda is not limited to engineering. Besides the technical challenges, social, economic and political hurdles have to be overcome as well.