Transport and Infrastructure Minister Adil Karaismailoğlu stated that the launch service contract for Türksat 6A, Turkey’s first national communication satellite, whose production and testing process is planned to be completed in 2022, was signed between Türksat AŞ and SpaceX company.
In his written statement, Karaismailoğlu stated that the Türksat 6A National Communications Satellite Project Contract and Additional Protocol was officially signed between the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, TÜBİTAK and Türksat AŞ with the participation of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
Stating that the assembly, integration and tests of the Türksat 6A satellite were carried out at the Space Systems Integration and Test (USET) Center, Karaismailoğlu said, “The engineering model integration activities of the project have been completed and the test phase has started. Türksat 6A satellite will also be subjected to standard and commercial test stages accepted in the satellite industry. gave the information.
Pointing out that the project will enable Turkey to be among the 10 countries that can produce communication satellites, Karaismailoğlu said, “The production and testing process of the satellite to be produced is planned to be completed at the end of 2022 and to be launched within the first quarter of 2023.” used the phrase.
Noting that the launch services of the Türksat 6A satellite is the responsibility of Türksat AŞ, Karaismailoğlu said:
“In this context, the necessary studies and preparations are carried out in coordination with the project manager institution TÜBİTAK UZAY and other stakeholders. The solutions and proposals of many launcher companies were meticulously examined for the provision of launch service. As a result of the evaluations and negotiations, the best solution in terms of both technical, administrative and financial aspects.
The Falcon-9 rocket of Space X, located in the USA, which offers a launch service, was chosen as the launcher. In this context, Türksat and Space X company signed a contract for the supply of Türksat 6A satellite. The contract is also the first contract signed directly with the launcher company instead of the satellite manufacturer for the launch service as Türksat AŞ. The activities and transactions within the scope of the said launcher service procurement contract will be carried out by Türksat AŞ expert staff.”
