![Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaks during Turkey's "space program " in Ankara, Turkey, late Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021. A metal monolith that mysteriously appeared and disappeared on a field in southeast Turkey turned out to be a publicity gimmick ahead of a government event Tuesday during which Erdogan announced a space program for the country. (Turkish Presidency via AP, Pool)](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/HELQYHTCCVNUVYPF3IPSTHCW2E.jpg?smart=true&auth=1ae82f6aeeb10a3b6f8a7c3ea68f07944f8f7a708b3808c09056b4426a9b1f07&width=400&height=225)
Many in Turkey today question whether a space programme is an appropriate priority for the government. AP
Many in Turkey today question whether a space programme is an appropriate priority for the government. AP
Why is Turkey starting a space programme amid a domestic crisis?
Is it the right time for a mission in the great beyond, when Turkey has so many earthly challenges to address?