Türkiye’s latest launch into orbit boosts its satellite count to nine

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, carrying a Turksat 6A communications satellite, lifts off at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Monday, July 8, 2024.

Turksat 6A, Türkiye's first homegrown communications satellite, was launched this week into space as the result of 10 years of work, boosting the number of Türkiye's active satellites to nine.

After successfully passing all tests, Turksat 6A was launched into space by Space X's Falcon 9 rocket on Monday.

Following the completion of testing, the satellite is expected to become operational within approximately one month. Turkish communication service coverage will expand to include regions such as India, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia, thereby increasing the population reached by Türkiye's satellites from 3.5 billion to over 5 billion.

Throughout this period, Türksat 6A is expected to meet a substantial portion of Türkiye's communication satellite needs.

The satellite, developed with an 80 percent domestic production rate, comprises 84 components manufactured in Türkiye.

With the launch, Türkiye has joined the elite group of 11 countries capable of constructing their own communication satellites.

Türksat 6A will harness its requisite energy for uninterrupted communication through solar panels. This system will ensure the satellite's sustained high-power output and prolonged operational efficacy.

Sending a video to a ceremony in the capital Ankara, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said that Türkiye is expanding its presence in space with the new move "despite obstacles and restrictions."

Erdoğan said Türkiye also sent its Türksat 5B satellite by the same rocket two and a half years ago, adding: "We are pleased to strengthen our...