In the modern battlefield and during major natural disasters, terrestrial communication networks can collapse within seconds. Türkiye is integrating space-based communication systems directly onto the backs of personnel to ensure its military units and search-and-rescue teams do not become blind and deaf in such dark scenarios. The Manpack portable satellite antenna, introduced to the ecosystem by Türksat in 2023 as part of the PeycON antenna family (under the name MicrON), is today one of the most critical communication tools in the field. Weighing only 16 kilograms including its bag, this carbon fibre system provides its user with broadband internet connectivity from anywhere in the world within minutes, taking operational independence to its peak.
In military operations or large-scale disasters like earthquakes, it is not always possible to deploy heavily armoured command and control vehicles or massive satellite terminals to the region. High-altitude mountains, deep valleys, or roads blocked by debris halt traditional logistics. Türksat engineers developed the Manpack Antenna solution, an extremely compact, lightweight, and durable system, to overcome this strategic bottleneck. This domestic terminal, which has proven itself in the field, reduces dependency on terrestrial communication infrastructure to zero.
16 kg Carbon Fibre Armour
A soldier carrying heavy communication equipment in mountainous terrain or a disaster zone directly reduces their mobility speed and operational efficiency. To overcome this physical obstacle, Türksat manufactured the antenna's main body from carbon fibre, a fundamental material of the aerospace industry.
Weighing only 16 kilograms total, including its bag, optional battery, and modem, the system can be easily carried on the back by a single soldier or AFAD personnel. The antenna's 67 cm diameter reflector is composed of 6 separate modular carbon fibre pieces. This modular architecture allows personnel to unpack the system and physically assemble it in the field within just a few minutes. Moreover, the system's rugged outdoor electronics continue to operate flawlessly in the harshest climatic conditions, ranging from -20°C to +65°C, regardless of rain, snow, or extreme heat.
High-Speed Data Transfer via Ka-Band
As important as the system's ease of setup is the data transfer speed it provides via satellite, which is vital for operations. The Manpack Antenna establishes a link directly with Türksat satellites using the high-frequency Ka-Band infrastructure.
The system provides broadband internet in the field with download speeds of 25 Mbps and upload speeds of 6 Mbps. This speed capacity offers more than sufficient bandwidth for real-time high-resolution live video transmission from the field to headquarters, establishing encrypted military radio networks (VoIP), or downloading emergency coordination maps to devices.
Smartphone-Assisted Autonomous Setup
Pointing satellite antennas at the correct angle in space typically requires significant technical expertise. However, considering the stress of challenging field conditions, Türksat has greatly simplified this process using a smartphone application.
Thanks to the built-in GPS module, compass, and level within the system, modem configuration is fully automatic. Using the iOS or Android compatible smartphone application, the user easily aligns the antenna's direction (Azimuth and Elevation angles) manually with the satellite by following visual and audible prompts. Thus, even an infantryman without any advanced technical training can activate the system within minutes.
Let No Place Be Without a Signal
While developing the PeycON family, Türksat focused not only on stationary systems but also on moving systems (SOTM - Satcom On The Move). This family includes versions for marine vehicles (HidrON), land vehicles (TerrON), air vehicles (AerON), and dismounted personnel (MicrON / Manpack).
The Manpack, the backpack version of this family, is unaffected by any physical destruction on Earth because it looks directly into space. With its optional 3 kg external battery, the system generates its own power at full capacity for up to 3 hours at locations without an electrical grid or generator, maintaining uninterrupted data transmission.
Uninterrupted Digital Sovereignty
The Türksat Manpack Antenna system is one of the strongest examples of the hardware maturity achieved by Türkiye in satellite communication technologies being reflected in the field. Military units in cross-border operations and counter-terrorism missions now have the capability to connect directly and securely to headquarters using this small bag they carry on their backs. The presence of such domestic and compact systems in the field will continue to carry Türkiye's crisis management reflexes and strategic mobility far beyond global standards.
