ASELSAN Successfully Launches Türkiye's First Home-Made TURKSAT-6A Communication Satellite.

On July 9, 2024, Türkiye marked an important step in its aerospace industry with the launch of its first communication satellite, TURKSAT-6A, equipped with Ku-Band and X-Band communication payloads developed by ASELSAN engineers. This pivotal event was announced by ASELSAN, positioning Türkiye within an elite league of countries capable of producing their own communication satellites.
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Aselsan TURKSAT-6A Communication Satellite (Picture source: Aselsan)

Celebrating this historic day, ASELSAN, Türkiye’s leading defense company, announced the successful launch from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, USA. This achievement places Türkiye among a select group of just 10 countries worldwide that can manufacture their own communication satellites. The ASELSAN-engineered Ku-Band and X-Band payloads are expected to play a crucial role throughout the satellite's operational lifespan.

ASELSAN has opened a new chapter in space studies with TURKSAT-6A. Having embarked on its journey in space technologies back in 2000, ASELSAN was a key contributor to the TURKSAT-6A project, developing advanced Ku-Band and X-Band payloads. These payloads will enable TURKSAT-6A to provide enhanced communication services across Türkiye, Europe, and South Asia, significantly expanding the service coverage of Turkish satellites and ushering in a new era in the nation's space capabilities.

In the TURKSAT-6A Project, ASELSAN also refined its internal processes for design, assembly, integration, and testing of space applications. More than 100 ASELSAN personnel were involved in this demanding project, which utilized over 80 space electronic units. The payloads designed by ASELSAN have a power consumption of 5 kW and a total mass of 300 kilograms.

After successfully shipping the satellite to the USA on June 4th, ASELSAN engineers, together with other TURKSAT-6A project partners, completed the necessary inspections and testing at the launch site. These payloads are designed to function in orbit for 15 years.

Following the launch and initial operations phase, ASELSAN engineers will perform payload testing for the first time. By 2024, TURKSAT-6A is slated to begin servicing Türkiye's satellite communication needs.

Reflecting on the company’s role in the TURKSAT-6A project, ASELSAN CEO Ahmet Akyol praised the team that developed the satellite’s communication payloads: "Our communication payloads on Türkiye's first indigenously developed satellite are a source of pride for ASELSAN. Through our involvement in satellite projects like TURKSAT-6A, our team has gained invaluable expertise and know-how, and we are dedicated to further advancing our presence in space technologies with upcoming projects."