Turksat 5A ready to launch
January 7, 2021
By Chris Forrester
SpaceX has scheduled to launch Turksat 5A today (January 7th), subject to the usual weather constraints.
The launch will take place from Cape Canaveral at 8.28pm Florida time. Space Force forecasters anticipate 60 per cent “go” conditions during a four-hour window at Launch Complex 40. The main concerns are cumulus and thick clouds that could emerge as a cold front moves over Florida this week.
A spokesperson for Turksat, the state-supported satellite operator in Turkey, said a backup attempt on January 8th is possible as weather conditions improve to 80 per cent “go.” A delegation traveling from the capital city of Ankara was scheduled to arrive in Florida on January 6th.
Turksat 5A is a 3,500-kilo satellite which will mostly serve in broadcast roles and cover Turkey, the Middle East, Europe, and portions of Africa. Though 5A and its successor, 5B, are both built by Airbus Defense and Space in France, Turkish officials have had considerable input in the spacecraft’s development.