SPACE PROGRAM OF TURKEY AND INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION OPPORTUNITIES FOR DISASTER MANAGEMENT AND FOR SPACE EXPLORATION

摘要

Many experts would agree that the developments in space technology has been due to the space race in the prc-cold war period between the Americans and the Soviets. If we take manned mission capability as an index, then currently only USA, Russia and China's space programs has this capability and it seems it will continue like this for nearly a decade. However, national programs are also important for the required advancements in space technology as only collective efforts can be of help in reaching greater heights in space exploration and development. Turkey's space program has also been taking off in the last decade with the help of Chinese space agency in launching Turkey's newest satellite through Baikonur Space port in Kazakhistan. With international cooperation, Turkey can involve itself with other international space programs of ESA as well as China. However, the most important factor comes with the possibility of using the space program for disaster management in the area. It is well known that Turkey lies in a highly active seismic zone and as a result, it can be important to have international cooperation space programs that can have the effffect of preventing and managing various disasters in the nearby region. Earthquakes and other disasters has struck the region where Turkey resides which has effected other nearby countries as well. In achieving this, help from India's and China's space agencies can be sought out due to their experience in these matters. This way, the peaceful use of space technology can also be stimulated and international cooperation in the peaceful use of outer space can be maximized. The paper will contain examples of ISRO's success in the usage of its space program for public use as well as for disaster management and it will reflect how Turkey's space program is building on similar lines for the benefifit of the public. Furthermore, this regional cooperation can lead to combined space exploration missions to the Moon and nearby bodies in the solar system as well.