Türkiye’s First Communication Satellite TURKSAT-6A Successfully Launched

In a historic moment for Türkiye, the country's first indigenously developed communication satellite, TURKSAT-6A, was successfully launched on July 9, 2024. This landmark event took place at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, USA, where a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carried the satellite into orbit. This achievement not only marks a significant milestone for Türkiye but also places it among an elite group of ten countries capable of manufacturing their own communication satellites.

The TURKSAT-6A satellite is equipped with advanced Ku-Band and X-Band communication payloads, developed by ASELSAN, Türkiye’s leading defense company. ASELSAN, known for its contributions to defense and space technologies, began its journey into space tech in 2000 and has since been at the forefront of satellite payload development.

Ahmet Akyol, CEO and President of ASELSAN, expressed immense pride in the team’s accomplishments. He highlighted the extensive expertise and know-how acquired through the TURKSAT-6A project, emphasizing ASELSAN's commitment to advancing Türkiye’s presence in space technologies with future projects. 

The Ku-Band payload on TURKSAT-6A is set to provide communication services across Türkiye, Europe, and South Asia. This expansion significantly enhances the service area of Turkish satellites, ushering in a new era in the country’s space capabilities. The satellite’s communication payloads, consuming 5 kW of power and weighing a total of 300 kilograms, are designed to serve in orbit for 15 years. 

ASELSAN’s involvement in the TURKSAT-6A project has been extensive, with over 100 personnel contributing to the design, assembly, integration, and testing of the payloads. The company developed and qualified its own processes for space applications, ensuring the highest standards of quality and reliability. 

The successful shipment of the satellite to the USA on June 4th was followed by rigorous inspections and testing activities at the launch site, conducted by ASELSAN engineers and other project partners. These efforts culminated in the flawless launch of TURKSAT-6A, marking a significant achievement in Türkiye's space endeavors.

With the satellite now in orbit, ASELSAN engineers will carry out the initial payload testing. By 2024, TURKSAT-6A is expected to begin serving the nation’s satellite communication needs, providing robust and reliable communication services to a broad geographical area. 

ASELSAN, headquartered in Ankara, Turkey, is a prominent defense corporation specializing in the research, development, and manufacture of advanced military products for air, land, and maritime forces. Ranked as the 48th largest defense company globally by Defense News, ASELSAN continues to be a major contractor for the Turkish Armed Forces. This latest achievement with TURKSAT-6A underscores ASELSAN’s pivotal role in advancing Türkiye’s technological capabilities on the global stage.

This milestone not only showcases Türkiye’s growing prowess in space technology but also demonstrates the nation’s ability to independently develop and launch sophisticated communication satellites. As TURKSAT-6A begins its mission, it signifies a new chapter in Türkiye’s ambitious journey into space.