Turkish space firm Fergani to launch 2nd satellite, conduct key space tests in 2025
Türkiye's satellite technology companies Türksat, Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), ASELSAN, PROFEN and Fergani Space came together at Satellite 2025, the world's largest satellite exhibition in Washington, D.C. (AA Photo)
Fergani Space, a Turkish space company, is preparing to launch its second satellite this year, following the successful deployment of its first satellite, FGN-100-d1, in January 2025.
Arif Karabeyoglu, the company’s space advisor, announced the upcoming launch and provided further details during his participation in the Satellite 2025 event in Washington, D.C., where Fergani Space made its debut.
Second satellite launch and space transfer vehicle tests
Karabeyoglu confirmed that Fergani Space will launch another satellite later this year, continuing its efforts to demonstrate and test the capabilities of the platforms it has developed.
“These satellites are designed to test themselves and to show that the platform works. They also carry payloads that we have developed ourselves,” Karabeyoglu stated.
In addition to the satellite launch, Fergani Space will conduct its first test of a space transfer vehicle by the end of 2025. The vehicle, which is capable of moving satellites between different orbits, will also be equipped with Türkiye’s first large space motor, marking a significant milestone in the country’s space technology.
“This will be Türkiye’s first large space motor to be tested in orbit. It will be the first time that a locally developed, indigenous, and unique space engine will fire in orbit,” Karabeyoglu explained.
Fergani Space’s vision for future of space exploration
Fergani Space, founded by famous Turkish drone maker Baykar’s Selcuk Bayraktar in 2022, initially aimed to develop space transfer vehicles to move satellites between orbits but has since expanded its focus to include satellite and launch vehicle development.
The company has made significant progress in its short history, demonstrating the ability to design and launch satellites from scratch.
“We developed and launched our first satellite, FGN-100-d1, in about two years, and we achieved this with a very young team,” Karabeyoglu said, highlighting that the average age of Fergani Space’s engineers is 26. “The talent within Türkiye, especially among our youth, is incredible. I want to emphasize this,” he added.
3 key projects for Fergani Space
Karabeyoglu discussed three major projects that Fergani Space is currently working on. The first project involves a satellite constellation with around 100 satellites, which will operate at altitudes of about 2,000 kilometers. These satellites will focus on navigation, positioning, and communications.
The second project is the development of space transfer vehicles, a capability that Karabeyoglu emphasized is almost unique in the world. “Fergani has the advantage of being able to create its own transfer vehicles, which allows it to transport its own satellites to higher orbits. This provides a huge capability gain and cost-effectiveness,” he explained.
The third project involves the development of launch vehicles, which will be crucial for Fergani Space’s future space missions. “In addition to launching satellites, we will also be testing a hybrid rocket engine, which will be the first orbital ignition of its kind in the world,” Karabeyoglu said, adding that this development would be another major first for Türkiye in the space industry.
Strategic importance of Fergani Space’s work
Karabeyoglu highlighted that Türkiye’s involvement in space technology is not just about achieving technological advancements, but also about ensuring strategic freedom for the country.
“Developing technologies to ensure that Türkiye has a presence in space is critical. When we do this with our own resources and satellites, it will provide us with a significant level of strategic freedom,” he said.
He also discussed the importance of positioning technology, noting that only a few companies in the world are working on this in low Earth orbit.
“The work Fergani Space is doing is crucial, as it will provide Türkiye with great strategic autonomy,” Karabeyoglu added.
Space cooperation and national development
Karabeyoglu pointed out that international cooperation in space is important but emphasized that Türkiye’s primary focus should be on developing its own technologies first.
“We are in discussions with countries and companies, but our priority is to develop our own technologies and make progress before forming partnerships,” he said.
He also encouraged young people to pursue careers in space technology, highlighting Türkiye’s ambitious space agenda, including plans to visit the Moon and other future projects.
“We need young talent to help us develop products that can compete globally,” Karabeyoglu said, offering his advice to the next generation of engineers and innovators.
