The GÖKTÜRK-Y Modernization Reconnaissance and Surveillance Satellite System Development Project, one of the most strategic elements of Türkiye's independence goals in the aviation and space industry, is rapidly progressing to meet the Turkish Armed Forces' high-resolution satellite observation needs with domestic and national resources.
The intensive work carried out at TUSAŞ's Space Systems Integration and Test (USET) Center in Ankara shows that the project has reached concrete stages. GÖKTÜRK-Y, which will take over the baton after the completion of the GÖKTÜRK-1 mission life, will further advance Türkiye's strategic observation capability in space.
The latest status of the project was reviewed on-site on January 26, 2025, during a visit to the TUSAŞ facilities by the President of the Defense Industry, Prof. Dr. Haluk Görgün. The inspections at the USET Center provided information about the project's current stage and importance. President Görgün emphasized that GÖKTÜRK-Y will be a critical milestone in Türkiye's space technology roadmap.
A Comprehensive Systems Approach: Full Control from Satellite to Ground Stations
The GÖKTÜRK-Y project is not merely a satellite to operate in orbit; it is being developed with an integrated systems approach. Within the scope of the project, in addition to the high-performance satellite platform, fixed and portable ground stations for receiving data from the satellite, the processes of placing the satellite into orbit after launch and making it operational, integrated logistics support services, and all other components necessary for the efficient operation of the system will be provided using national resources. This holistic approach will give Türkiye full operational and technological control over satellite systems.
A Marvel of Domestic Engineering: The National Electro-Optical Camera
One of the most critical and proud aspects of GÖKTÜRK-Y is that its electro-optical camera, which provides the satellite's high-resolution imaging capability, is being developed using national resources. This camera will serve as the satellite's 'eye,' and the images obtained will meet both military intelligence and reconnaissance needs, as well as provide valuable data for civilian applications. This national camera development capability represents a giant step towards eliminating Türkiye's dependence on foreign sources in space-based observation systems.
GÖKTÜRK-Y's Technical Specifications: High Resolution, Global Reach
The GÖKTÜRK-Y Modernization Reconnaissance and Surveillance Satellite is being designed to significantly enhance Türkiye's observational power in space with its technical capabilities. According to information shared by TUSAŞ, GÖKTÜRK-Y, very high resolution electro-optical It is classified as a satellite system. The satellite completes its mission approximately. In Sun Synchronous Orbit at an altitude of ~700 km It will perform this; this type of orbit allows the satellite to image the target region under similar sunlight conditions on each pass. Its estimated mass at launch. ~1000 kg GÖKTÜRK-Y, which will be in the vicinity, global coverage With this capability, it will be able to observe any point in the world. The revisit time over a specific region is approximately... ~2.5 days This is intended to enable frequent image updates. One of the satellite's most remarkable features is... Better than 1 meter (sub-meter) One Ground Sampling Distance (GSD) This means that objects on the Earth's surface can be distinguished in considerable detail. GÖKTÜRK-Y, according to mission requirements... Spot, Strip, Wide Area, and Stereo different in display modes will be capable of working. Also, A design life of 7 years. It is planned to provide long-term and uninterrupted service. These superior technical features, combined with its electro-optical camera developed entirely with national resources, clearly demonstrate that GÖKTÜRK-Y will provide Türkiye with strategic-level, precise and detailed reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities.
Science Marathon at USET Center: Technical Tests Continue at Full Speed
To verify GÖKTÜRK-Y's resilience to the harsh conditions of space and its ability to flawlessly perform its mission, rigorous testing processes are being conducted at the USET Center. These tests, which began in January 2025, constitute one of the most crucial phases of the project. The tests being conducted include the following:
- Thermal Vacuum Tests: It measures the satellite's resistance to extreme temperature differences in space (ranging from -150°C to +150°C) and the vacuum environment.
- Mass Property Measurements: The satellite's center of gravity precisely determines mass properties vital to launch and orbital control, such as moments of inertia.
- Acoustic Tests: It simulates the structural resistance of the satellite to the intense noise (sound pressure) it will be subjected to during launch.
- Sinus Vibration Tests: It tests the structural integrity of the satellite and the durability of its components against the vibrations generated by the rocket during launch.
- Static Verification Tests: It controls the satellite's own weight and its structural behavior under varying loads.
The GÖKTÜRK-Y Thermal Structural Qualification Model (TSQM), specifically designed for these tests, is being used. This model is designed to reflect the structural and thermal characteristics of the real satellite. According to information shared in the journal, this model... It is approximately 2.5 meters in diameter, 4.5 meters high, and weighs 1.3 tons. It has been stated that the model..., 31 panels, 87 pieces of equipment in total across 38 different types. It consists of cabling and thermal equipment. These technical data give a concrete idea about the dimensions and complex structure of GÖKTÜRK-Y.
This will solidify Türkiye's power in space.
Upon completion of the GÖKTÜRK-Y project, Türkiye's high-resolution satellite observation capabilities will significantly increase. The images obtained will provide strategic information in many areas such as defense, security, environmental monitoring, urban planning, natural disaster management, and mapping. With its high performance, durability, and maneuverability, GÖKTÜRK-Y will position Türkiye more effectively in the field of space-based observation systems.
Thanks to the expertise and dedication of the Turkish engineers and technicians working on the project, GÖKTÜRK-Y will be one of the most tangible symbols of Türkiye's independence and technological advancement in space. This national satellite will go down in history as a giant step towards realizing the "Sky Homeland" ideal in space.
Key words: GÖKTÜRK-Y, TUSAŞ, domestic satellite, national satellite, reconnaissance satellite, surveillance satellite, satellite project, Turkish space, defense industry, USET, satellite tests, national camera, high-resolution satellite, GÖKTÜRK-Y technical data, Turkish Aerospace Industries, GÖKTÜRK-1 refurbishment, satellite technologies, national technology
