Turksat 5A to launch in December
November 18, 2020
By Chris Forrester
Turkey’s latest satellite, Turksat 5A, will launch in mid-December, according to local reports.
Turksat’s general manager, Cenk Sen, said Monday that the project had two dimensions. “The first is to protect and gain our national sovereignty rights, and the second is to create commercial value with it,” said Cenk Sen.
“In this context, we are designing our new satellites, especially Turksat 5A and 5B, to use them in new coverage areas.” Turksat 5B is also under construction by Airbus Space & Defence.
Turksat 5A will carry 42 transponders and will be located at the somewhat unused Turkish orbital slot at 31 degrees East. The new “Ku” frequency-equipped craft will reach the Middle East, southern Europe and large parts of Africa as its coverage areas.
Sen said Turksat 5B will be a backup for Turksat 3A and 4A satellites.