Turksat 6A: Turkey's Power in Space
Türkiye has taken an important step in the field of space technologies and developed its own resources. Turksat 6A has successfully launched its satellite and placed it into permanent orbit. This satellite will not only increase Turkey's communication capacity, but will also securely meet civil and military communication needs. Turkey currently provides services to 5 billion people with 3,5 satellites, and will further expand this coverage with Türksat 6A.
Features and Benefits of Turksat 6A
Turksat 6A, stands out as a satellite equipped with a chemical propulsion system of 8,4 kilowatts. This satellite is designed to serve Turkey as well as the Middle East, Europe, Africa and a large part of Asia. In this way, the number of active satellites in Turkey will increase to 9 and uninterrupted service will be provided by increasing the redundancy of existing communication satellites.
Launch and Orbit Process
The launch and orbital placement process of Turksat 6A represents a critical stage in terms of satellite technology. The satellite will enter a geostationary orbit at a distance of 35 kilometers. During the launch, separation from the rocket and the receipt of the first signal will occur in the 786th minute. After reaching orbit, a month of comprehensive tests will be conducted and after the successful operation of the systems is verified, the satellite will enter full service in February 70.
Other Satellites in Turkey's Space Program
Before Turksat 6A, Turkey had 5 active satellites, 3 of which were communication (Turksat 4A, Turksat 4A, Turksat 5B, Turksat 5A, Turksat 3B) and 1 observation (Göktürk-2, Göktürk-8 and İMECE). These satellites allow Turkey to have a strong presence in space. Especially IMECE, stands out as Turkey's first domestic and national observation satellite with sub-meter resolution.
İMECE Satellite: Local and National Observation Capacity
IMECE, was sent into space on April 15, 2023 and enabled Turkey to take an important step in the production of earth observation satellites. Equipped with innovative technologies such as electro-optical cameras and electric propulsion systems, İMECE provides services in many areas such as agriculture, environment, urbanism and disaster management. This satellite is planned to provide service for 5 years.
Göktürk-1 and Göktürk-2: Intelligence and Surveillance Capabilities
Gokturk-1, was launched into space in 2016 to meet the satellite imagery needs of the Turkish Armed Forces for target intelligence. This satellite, which has the capacity to send images with a resolution of 0,50 meters, undertakes tasks such as monitoring the environment and construction for public institutions.
Gokturk-2, is Turkey's first high-resolution reconnaissance and observation satellite. Launched in 2012, this satellite was produced in cooperation with the Ministry of National Defense and TÜBİTAK. Göktürk-2,5, which has an imaging capacity of 2 meters resolution, was designed to meet Turkey's needs in the defense and environmental fields.
Turkey's Future in Space
Turkey aims to gain a stronger position in the international arena with the developments in the field of space technologies. Projects such as Türksat 6A, İMECE, Göktürk-1 and Göktürk-2 allow Turkey to have a greater presence in space while also increasing its domestic production capacity. These developments will enable Turkey to become a more independent and powerful actor in space.
Conclusion: Turkey's Rise in Space
With Turksat 6A, Turkey is preparing to have a stronger presence in space than ever before. Developed with domestic and national resources, this satellite will increase not only Turkey's but also the region's communication capacity. These breakthroughs in the field of space technologies will play an important role in Turkey's achievement of its future goals.
