GÖKTÜRK 2, Turkey's first high-resolution national reconnaissance satellite, has successfully completed its 12th year in orbit. Developed with domestic and national capabilities, the satellite was sent into space from China's Jiuquan Launch Center on December 18, 2012, and settled into its mission orbit at an altitude of approximately 700 kilometers.
Developed with Domestic and National Facilities
Produced in cooperation with TÜBİTAK UZAY and Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), GÖKTÜRK-2 stands out as an important milestone that demonstrates Turkey's capabilities in the field of space. The satellite is the first indigenously developed high-resolution earth observation satellite in Turkey.
On Mission for 12 Years
Initially designed with a five-year mission life target, GÖKTÜRK-2 has been operating at full capacity for 12 years thanks to advanced engineering solutions such as high radiation resistance, uninterrupted and effective thermal control, precise orientation capability in three axes, and the use of battery-solar panels resistant to the space environment. In this way, the satellite has achieved a long service life beyond expectations.
GÖKTÜRK-2, which has a resolution of 2.5 meters, is of great importance in terms of Turkey's own possession of critical technologies such as infrared camera, interface cards, image compression software and hardware, flight computer and X-Band transmitter.
Defense, Intelligence, Environment and Disaster Management
Producing tens of thousands of images covering millions of square kilometers during its mission, GÖKTÜRK-2 meets the satellite image demands of the Turkish Armed Forces and other public institutions and organizations in various fields such as defence, intelligence, environment, urbanism, agriculture, forestry, disaster and emergency management.
Inspiring New Satellites with its Experience
The experience gained in the development of indigenous satellites such as GÖKTÜRK-2 and RASAT has advanced Turkey's competence in the field of space. In this way, İMECE, the first national earth observation satellite with sub-meter resolution, and TÜRKSAT 6A, the first national communication satellite, started their missions in their orbits.
With the recently launched İMECE team satellite project, Turkey's capability in the field of space technologies will further increase. Within the scope of the GÖKTÜRK-3 Project, work on the first national earth observation satellite, which will include more advanced radar technologies, will continue. With this satellite, Turkey will diversify its space observation capabilities and will have a high-resolution imaging capacity independent of weather conditions.
Having successfully completed its 12th year, GÖKTÜRK-2 Satellite continues to be an important milestone in the field of high-resolution satellite technologies developed by Turkey with domestic and national capabilities.
