Executive Management

M. Mehmet NEFES received his Bachelor's degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Bilkent University in 2006, and his Master's degree in Engineering Management from the Industrial Engineering Program of the Turkish Aeronautical Association (THK) University. He began his career in 2006 as a research and development (R&D) engineer at TÜRKSAT AŞ. During 2006-2007, he also conducted his master's studies at the BİL-UZAY Research Center.

NEFES held various positions in Satellite Design and R&D, Satellite Frequency Monitoring, and Satellite Programs departments at TÜRKSAT AŞ. He played an active role in numerous satellite and infrastructure projects, including TÜRKSAT 4A/4B, TÜRKSAT 5A/5B, the establishment of the National Space Systems Integration and Test Center, the installation of ground systems for satellites, and the development of Turkey’s first national communications satellite, TÜRKSAT 6A. From January 2021 to November 2023, he served as Director of Satellite Programs. In this role, he led satellite project management, provided technology consulting, and oversaw the provision of training services, pioneering the country’s first exports in this domain.

By the decision of the TÜBİTAK Presidency on November 27, 2023, M. Mehmet NEFES was appointed Director of TÜBİTAK Space Technologies Research Institute and continues to serve in this capacity.