Türkiye's first domestically produced communications satellite, TÜRKSAT 6A, manufactured through a collaboration between TÜBİTAK Space, TUSAŞ, ASELSAN, and CTECH, was successfully launched into space from the Kennedy Space Center aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Incorporating many domestically developed systems, TÜRKSAT 6A will undergo several stages in space to reach its orbit using its own systems.
Weighing 4,250 kg, TÜRKSAT 6A will operate for 15 years in its orbit at 42° East, 35,786 km, equipped with advanced, domestically developed equipment and subsystems. As the furthest-farthest-from-earth national satellite to date, it was subjected to conditions far more challenging than its ideal environment by TÜBİTAK engineers to ensure its flawless operation in space.
During the launch phase, the satellite will be subjected to high pressure changes, vibrations, acoustic and shock loads, while in space it will operate under challenging conditions such as extreme temperature variations, high radiation levels and a vacuum environment. To prove that the satellite can operate under these conditions, TÜBİTAK engineers conducted very comprehensive tests. In total, 396 environmental and functional tests were performed within this scope.
These tests include mechanical tests, thermal vacuum tests, antenna performance tests, solar panel deployment tests, and separation and shock tests. In addition, 84 domestically produced components of 24 different types, such as the flight computer, power regulation and distribution units, and interface control equipment, were also subjected to these tests. The successful completion of all these tests by TÜRKSAT 6A is an indication that the satellite is ready for its mission in space.
The electric propulsion system for TÜRSAT 6A was manufactured in Türkiye.
This system, produced by the expert team of TÜBİTAK Space Institute, is one of the critical components of the TÜRKSAT 6A satellite. Developed in workshops with Class 10,000 cleanroom standards, the system has been meticulously crafted from design to production and testing.
The system underwent various tests in the Electric Propulsion Engine Laboratory, which houses three vacuum tanks. These tanks are equipped with critical instruments for measuring and analyzing the performance of the propulsion systems.
What services will TURKSAT 6A offer?
TURKSAT 6A is a satellite that will provide important services in the field of communications. TURKSAT 6A will provide data transmission to Türkiye, as well as a large part of the European continent, the Middle East, and regions in western Russia. This will include television broadcasts, internet access, telephone calls, and other communication services. Furthermore, TURKSAT 6A will offer X-band satellite communication capability for the Turkish Armed Forces. This is a crucial capability for military operations and secure communication.
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