Aselsan: Leading the Charge in Space Tech with Indigenous Payloads on TURKSAT-6A

Türkiye’s leading communication satellite, TURKSAT-6A, equipped with Ku-Band and X-Band communication systems designed by ASELSAN engineers, has been successfully launched by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Florida, USA. This monumental progress elevates Türkiye into an elite group of nations capable of producing their own communication satellites.

ASELSAN, Türkiye’s premier defense firm, is celebrating an extraordinary milestone in its space exploration and satellite payload development with the successful launch of the TURKSAT-6A satellite from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, USA, on July 9. On this pivotal day, Türkiye has stepped into an exclusive circle of 10 nations proficient in manufacturing their own communication satellites. The Ku-Band and X-Band systems engineered by ASELSAN will play a crucial role throughout the satellite’s operational duration.

ASELSAN ushers in a new chapter in space research with TURKSAT-6A

Starting its journey into space technologies in 2000, ASELSAN has crafted the Ku-Band and X-Band systems for TURKSAT-6A as a significant participant in the mission. Thanks to ASELSAN’s advanced Ku-Band system, TURKSAT-6A will provide communication solutions to Türkiye, Europe, and South Asia. This expanded coverage in South Asia greatly enhances the operational scope of Turkish satellites, signaling a fresh era in the nation’s aerospace potential.

As part of the TURKSAT-6A project, ASELSAN developed and validated its own internal design, assembly, integration, and testing methods for space missions. More than 100 ASELSAN personnel were involved in this challenging venture, creating payloads that consist of over 80 space-grade electronic units. The ASELSAN payloads have a power requirement of 5 kW and a total weight of 300 kilograms.

Payload validation will be executed by ASELSAN engineers

Following the successful shipment of the satellite to the USA on June 4th, ASELSAN engineers, in collaboration with other partners of TURKSAT-6A, conducted vital inspections and validation processes at the launch site. The payloads designed and validated by ASELSAN are set to function in orbit for 15 years.

After the successful launch and initial operational phase, payload validation will be performed for the first time by ASELSAN engineers. By 2024, TURKSAT-6A is on track to start fulfilling the satellite communication needs of our country.

CEO Akyol: Critical expertise from TURKSAT-6A will boost future projects

ASELSAN CEO & President Ahmet Akyol underscored the company’s role in the TURKSAT-6A initiative, commending the team responsible for developing the communication payloads: “Our communication systems on Türkiye’s first domestically manufactured satellite are a source of pride for ASELSAN. Our team has acquired invaluable insights and expertise through our satellite projects, including TURKSAT-6A, and we are committed to expanding our presence in space technology with future initiatives.”