Türkiye’s First Domestic Communication Satellite Enters Final Orbit Ahead of 2025 Launch

Türkiye's Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Abdulkadir Uraloglu announced on Saturday that Türksat 6A, the country's first domestically produced communication satellite, has successfully entered its permanent geosynchronous orbit at 42 degrees east.

“After six launches, Türksat 6A has arrived at its designated orbit. We plan to complete the testing process and put the satellite into service in the first quarter of 2025,” he announced in a statement posted on X, The Caspian Post reports, citing Turkish media.

Uraloglu reminded that Türksat 6A, which began its journey on July 9 from SpaceX's Cape Canaveral launch center, had reached its temporary orbit at 50 degrees east on July 20.

During this time, the satellite underwent and passed payload tests. The satellite has now settled into its final orbit, 35,786 kilometers above Earth, following a final adjustment on December 27 at around 05:00 Türkiye time, he added.

Uraloglu emphasized the significance of Türksat 6A, describing it as the largest research and development project in Türkiye’s history and a cornerstone of the country’s space ambitions.

“This is not just a communication satellite. It is the realization of a project that will shape Türkiye’s future in space and bolster its global influence,” he said.

He also highlighted Türksat 6A's 20-year journey, which began with the establishment of Türksat and the signing of the satellite contract a decade ago. The high localization rate achieved in its production reflects the success of the Technology Transfer Training Program initiated by Türksat.

“Türksat engineers gained valuable experience by working on Türksat 3A, 4A, 4B, 5A, and 5B. This expertise culminated in the creation of Türksat 6A, a satellite that is a testament to two decades of dedication and innovation,” Uraloglu explained.