Turkish Aerospace Industries, headquartered in Ankara, Türkiye, continues to advance the space and satellite communications capabilities through a comprehensive portfolio of Earth observation, reconnaissance and telecommunication satellite systems. With strong expertise in satellite design, manufacturing, assembly, integration and testing, the company plays a central role in developing Türkiye’s indigenous space infrastructure while supporting both defense and civilian applications. Through the involvement in multiple national satellite programs and infrastructure development initiatives, Turkish Aerospace delivers end-to-end solutions that include satellite platforms, ground systems and mission operations support, enabling secure communications, high-resolution imaging and advanced space-based services.
Earth Observation and Reconnaissance Satellite Systems
Turkish Aerospace contributes significantly to Türkiye’s Earth observation capabilities through the involvement in the GÖKTÜRK satellite program, which includes multiple generations of satellites designed for high-resolution imaging and reconnaissance.
The GÖKTÜRK-1 satellite system, launched in December 2016, is equipped with a very high-resolution electro-optical imaging payload capable of capturing detailed imagery from any location on Earth without geographical restrictions. Turkish Aerospace participated in key development activities, including the manufacturing of mission module structures and flight panels. The company also played a major role in establishing the Satellite Assembly, Integration, and Test (AIT) Center, where environmental and functional testing of the satellite was conducted. Following launch and commissioning, Turkish Aerospace continues to provide operations, maintenance and engineering support, including Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) services.
The GÖKTÜRK-2 satellite represents Türkiye’s first domestically developed high-resolution Earth observation satellite, designed and built by Turkish engineers. Turkish Aerospace led critical engineering activities, including the design and manufacturing of structural subsystems, thermal control systems and attitude and orbit control subsystems. The program also involved the development and testing of multiple satellite models, including qualification and flight models. The project contributed to building national expertise, infrastructure and human capital for future satellite development.
The upcoming GÖKTÜRK-3 satellite introduces Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) capabilities, enabling sub-meter resolution imaging regardless of weather conditions or time of day. As the prime contractor, Turkish Aerospace leads the development of the satellite system along with ground stations and associated operational services. The system is designed to meet the imaging needs of the Turkish Armed Forces while also supporting civil applications.
The GÖKTÜRK-Y program focuses on developing a next-generation indigenous electro-optical Earth observation satellite, ensuring the continuity of high-resolution imaging capabilities beyond the operational life of earlier systems. The project includes satellite development, ground segment infrastructure, launch operations and lifecycle support services, with activities currently progressing as planned.
Telecommunications Satellites and SATCOM Capabilities
In the satellite communications domain, Turkish Aerospace contributes to the development of telecommunication satellite platforms that support secure data transmission, broadcasting and broadband connectivity.
The TÜRKSAT 6A satellite represents Türkiye’s first domestically developed communication satellite, launched into geostationary orbit at approximately 35,786 km altitude. Turkish Aerospace is responsible for the development of key subsystems, including structural, thermal and chemical propulsion systems, as well as mechanical ground support equipment and cabling. The company also collaborates on satellite command and control software and participates in assembly, integration, and testing activities conducted at the Space Systems Integration and Test Center (USET). Equipped with multiple transponders across various frequency bands, TÜRKSAT 6A enhances secure communication capabilities for both civil and defense applications.
Turkish Aerospace also offers a Small Size GEO Satellite Family, a flexible telecommunication satellite platform designed to support a wide range of missions, including television broadcasting, broadband internet and mobile communication services. The platform supports multiple frequency bands such as Ka, Ku, X, C, S, L and UHF, enabling adaptability to diverse mission requirements. The modular design allows for resizable configurations and customizable payload integration, supporting system masses ranging from 0.5 to 2 tons. Key features of the platform include high-throughput capabilities, software-defined payload options, full electric propulsion systems and a design life of at least 15 years. The platform is also optimized for reduced capital expenditure (CAPEX), faster integration timelines and compatibility with rideshare launch opportunities, making it suitable for both commercial and government satellite missions.
Assembly, Integration and Test (AIT) Capabilities
A critical component of Turkish Aerospace’s space capabilities is the Space Systems Assembly, Integration and Test Center, which provides infrastructure for satellite development and validation. The facility supports environmental testing, functional verification and system-level integration for both observation and communication satellites. The establishment of this center has enabled Turkish Aerospace to conduct in-house satellite assembly, integration and testing, reducing dependency on external facilities and strengthening national capabilities in space systems engineering. The AIT infrastructure also supports the development of future satellite programs by providing advanced testing environments and technical expertise.
Turkish Aerospace’s SATCOM and space solutions portfolio extends beyond satellite manufacturing to include ground systems, mission operations and lifecycle support services. The company provides engineering support, technical services and integrated logistics solutions to ensure the long-term performance and reliability of satellite systems. By combining expertise in satellite platforms, ground infrastructure and operational services, Turkish Aerospace delivers comprehensive solutions that support both communication and Earth observation missions across defense and civilian sectors. Through the continued investment in satellite technologies and infrastructure, Turkish Aerospace Industries plays a key role in advancing space capabilities while contributing to the broader global satellite ecosystem. The integrated approach to satellite development, combined with the engineering and manufacturing expertise, enables the delivery of high-performance systems that address evolving communication, imaging and security requirements. Turkish Aerospace’s portfolio of SATCOM and space technologies positions the company to support next-generation space missions, secure communications and advanced Earth observation capabilities.
About Turkish Aerospace
Turkish Aerospace Industries is an aerospace and defense company engaged in the design, development, manufacturing and integration of air and space systems. Headquartered in Ankara, Türkiye, the company supports national and international programs across aviation, space and defense sectors. In the space domain, Turkish Aerospace is involved in satellite development, including Earth observation and communication satellites, as well as assembly, integration and testing activities. The company contributes to satellite subsystems such as structures, thermal control and propulsion, and supports mission operations, engineering services and integrated logistics for space programs. Turkish Aerospace also operates advanced facilities for satellite assembly, integration and testing, enabling in-house development and validation of space systems. Through the engineering capabilities and infrastructure, the company supports the development of satellite technologies and space-based applications for both defense and civilian use.
