Türksat 6A, the first domestic and national communication satellite created by Turkish engineers, will be launched into orbit tonight at 00:20 from Space X's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, USA, with the attendance of Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is expected to send a video message following the launch at midnight. Also, Minister Uraloğlu will share the thrill with Türkiye through a live connection from the Kennedy Space Center.
"The symbol of our independence"
Uraloğlu noted that preparations continued and said, "Tonight, inshallah, by successfully launching Türksat 6A, the symbol of our independence, we will become one of the 11 countries capable of producing their own satellites and leave our mark in space."
Minister Uraloğlu also provided information on the process following the satellite launch:
"Our satellite, which will set off with a chemical propulsion system after the launch, will reach its permanent orbit at a distance of 35,786 kilometres at 42 degrees east longitude. We plan to start orbital tests there. After approximately one month of tests, we will receive our satellite and put it into operation."
Uraloğlu stated that Türksat 6A was one of Türkiye's most significant R&D projects and that it was produced using over 80 per cent domestic resources as a result of Turkish engineers' intensive work, and said: "Our satellite will be able to meet Türkiye's satellite communication needs, particularly TV broadcasting, with its communication services and wide coverage area. Furthermore, the satellite will extend coverage to India, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia, regions currently not served by existing satellites, benefiting a population of approximately 5 billion people."