Turksat 6A set to launch in July

Turkish Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloglu announced that the Turksat 6A satellite is scheduled to be launched into space on the night of July 8-9. The satellite is expected to reach its temporary orbit and transmit its first signal approximately 70 minutes after separating from the rocket.

Launch details

In a press release regarding the Turksat 6A satellite, Minister Uraloglu provided an update on the satellite’s status. He confirmed that the launch is set for 12:20 a.m. on July 9, local time. After the satellite separates from the capsule, it is anticipated to transmit its first signal 70 minutes later, indicating a successful launch.

Development of Turksat 6A

Minister Uraloglu highlighted the satellite’s development process, noting that it was produced by Turkish engineers at the Space Systems Integration and Test Center (USET) in TUSAS. He outlined the key milestones in the satellite’s development:

• 2015: Began collaboration between Turksat and the Defense Industry Agency at TUSAS facilities.
• Dec. 26, 2016: Completed the critical design review phase.
• End of 2018: Finished the thermal structural qualification model and began the second critical design review phase.
• November 2018: Concluded the second critical design review phase and started the engineering model construction in early 2019.
• 2022: Completed the engineering model and conducted the initial functional tests of the flight model in June.
• December 2022: Finished thermal vacuum tests of the flight model.
• August 2023: Concluded vibration and acoustic tests.
• November 2023: Performed shock tests.
• January 2024: Conducted final functional tests.
• March 2024: Completed compact antenna test range (CATR) tests.
• April 2024: Measured mass properties, finalizing all functional tests.
• June 4, 2024: Sent the satellite to SpaceX facilities at Cape Canaveral Spaceport in Florida, U.S., for launch.

Expected signal and final preparations

Following its shipment to the United States, Turksat 6A underwent a month of tests and is now ready for launch. Minister Uraloglu provided a detailed launch timeline:

• July 8, 2024, 5:20 p.m. (local time), July 9, 12:20 a.m. (Turkish time): The satellite will be launched from the Falcon 9 rocket.
• 195 seconds post-lift-off: The first fuel tank separation will occur.
• 35 minutes and 55 seconds post-lift-off: Turksat 6A will separate from the rocket’s second stage.
• 70 minutes post-separation: The satellite is expected to reach its temporary orbit and transmit its first signal, indicating a successful launch and separation.

The satellite will then use its chemical propulsion system to travel to its final orbit at 42 degrees east longitude, 35,786 kilometers away, where it will begin orbital tests. After approximately one month of tests, Turksat will take control of the satellite for operational use.

After the announcement, Minister Uraloglu connected with the team in the U.S. overseeing the Turksat 6A and received confirmation that the satellite had been successfully placed in its capsule.