Türkiye is one of the 30 countries that have a satellite in space. With the work carried out by the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure in recent years, important developments have been achieved in this field.
In satellite services, services such as communication and television broadcasting were carried out by TÜRKSAT 3A, TÜRKSAT 4A, TÜRKSAT 4B, TÜRKSAT 5A and TÜRKSAT 5B satellites.
With the ‘first domestic satellite’ to be launched in the coming days, the number of satellites in the fleet will increase to 6. TÜRKSAT 6A will leave previous satellites behind with both its lifespan and technology. Türkiye will be among the 10 countries that can produce satellites.
Collaboration of companies
The TÜRKSAT 6A satellite, whose construction has been completed and testing continues, was built with domestic resources. In addition to TÜRKSAT, TÜBİTAK, ASELSAN, TUSAŞ and C2TECH companies are involved in the project.
TUBITAK Space developed the Satellite Management Subsystem, Orbital Orientation Control Subsystem, Power Subsystem, Electric Propulsion Subsystem, Interface Control Units and Communication Payload. While ASELSAN realized the Turkey Antenna, Receiver, INET and Payload Interface Unit, C2TECH produced all Telemetry Telecommand and Distance Measurement Subsystems, from Telemetry/Beacon Signal Transmitter to Telecommand Receiver, from Non-Directional Receiver Antenna to Receiver Test Adapter. TAI, which is responsible for the manufacturing of the satellite, also made the battery panel. Production integration and tests of TÜRKSAT 6A are carried out at the Space Systems Integration and Test Center (USET) established at TAI Kazan facilities.
Durability tested
The engineering model production, integration and tests of the satellite have been ongoing since 2022. Integration, system level tests and final alignment measurements have been completed on the flight model that will operate in orbit.
The launch process of the satellite and its durability in the space environment were tested, and among the system level tests, functional tests, thermal vacuum tests, sinus and acoustic tests were successfully completed. Solar panel integration, mass properties measurement and preparations for transfer to the launch site will be completed in May.
in space in July
TÜRKSAT 6A will be sent to the facilities of the launcher company Space X in the first week of June. In July, it will be launched into space with the Falcon 9 rocket and placed into orbit.
Capacity will increase with TÜRKSAT 6A. The satellite, which will be positioned at a distance of 35 thousand 786 kilometers, will have a power of 75 kilowatts. With TÜRKSAT 6A, India, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia, where existing satellites cannot provide service, will also be covered. The population reached by Turkish satellites will increase by 1.5 billion more and reach 5 billion. 20 years ago, 56 television channels were broadcasting via Turkish satellites. This number reached 528 today. Capacity will increase further with TÜRKSAT 6A.
