Türkiye's first domestically produced communications satellite, Türksat 6A, is successfully completing its final tests before launch into space. Most recently, the deployment test, which will ensure the satellite's solar panels function in the space environment, has been completed.
During a test conducted at TUSAŞ's Satellite Assembly, Integration and Test Center (USET), the solar panels of Türksat 6A were deployed, and it was observed that the foldable mechanisms were functioning correctly. The test results confirmed that the satellite's solar panels reached the angle required to generate electricity in space and that there were no problems.
The Head of the Defense Industry, Prof. Dr. Haluk Görgün, stated after the test that the Türksat 6A project will make Türkiye one of the 10 countries in the world with its own communications satellite. Görgün said, “In communications, which is one of the most important stages in our goals of complete independence in the defense industry, we will have successfully passed another important stage with TÜRKSAT 6A. I eagerly await the day when our satellite, which will make our country one of the 10 countries in the world with its own communications satellite, will meet with space. I thank everyone who is working tirelessly to engrave Türkiye's name in space.”.
The development of Türksat 6A is largely due to the contributions of domestic companies such as TÜBİTAK Space, TUSAŞ, ASELSAN, and CTECH. Türksat 6A is planned to be launched into space in 2024 using SpaceX's Falcon 9 carrier rocket. It will be placed in a GEO-geosyncratic orbit at 42° east longitude. The satellite will have a lifespan of 15 years. Türksat 6A will carry 20 Ku-band transponders. The satellite's maximum power output will be 8.4 kW. The satellite's mass will be approximately 4250 kg. Türksat 6A will be used for both civilian and military purposes. Türksat 6A will make Türkiye one of the 10 countries that design, manufacture, and operate its own satellite in space.
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