The first domestically produced communications satellite by the Republic of Türkiye, TÜRKSAT 6A, has officially entered into service. The ceremony was attended by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
The satellite was launched into space on 9 July 2024 from the Cape Canaveral base in the United States aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Following the successful completion of trial broadcasts, it has now begun operating at full capacity.
In his address at the ceremony, President Erdoğan highlighted that 80% of the satellite was produced domestically, utilising 84 locally manufactured components. With this achievement, Türkiye has joined the ranks of just 11 countries capable of producing their own communications satellites.
The coverage area of TÜRKSAT 6A has been expanded to include India, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. The satellite is expected to remain operational for the next 15 years.
Türkiye began its ventures in space technology 31 years ago, with the launch of its first satellite, TÜRKSAT 1B.