Advanced Television

Turkey to expand satellite fleet

August 16, 2019

By Chris Forrester

Turkey’s Turksat existing 3A, 4A and 4B fleet is to be expanded, according to the country’s Transport & Infrastructure minister.

Minister Cahit Turhan, in an interview said that Turkey will provide services from Asia to Africa and Europe, with its satellite fleet of six. The region satellites will cover even extends to the Turkic republics and China, Turhan said.

he current Turkish satellite fleet also includes 3 scientific missions (Götürk-1, Göktürk-2 and Earth observation RASAT).

Turkey operates satellites at three different longitudes and is planning to place another, Turksat 5A, which is under manufacture, at 31 degrees east longitude, Turhan said, adding that Turksat 5A is being made to earn new rights of frequencies. Turksat 5B, on the other hand, will increase the capacity at 42 degrees east longitude and will use new frequency rights.

Turksat 5A and 5B are being built by Airbus and are due for launch in 2020 and 2021 respectively.

Turksat 6A, is planned to be at orbit in early 2022, Turhan said. He also added that the satellite is currently being manufactured at the Space Systems Assembly, Integration and Test Center, located at Turkish Aerospace (TAI) premises in Turkey’s capital city Ankara.

Categories: Articles, DTH/Satellite