Turkey's first indigenous and national communication satellite, TÜRKSAT 6A, was launched into space at 2:30 a.m. Turkish time on the night between July 8 and July 9 from the Cape Canaveral Spaceport in Florida, USA, by SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket. We followed this important step with excitement together with TÜBİTAK UZAY Institute, TÜRKSAT A.Ş. and our teams and project stakeholders in the USA.
The satellite, which was launched with a delay of about two hours due to weather conditions, left the launcher at the 35th minute after a successful launch operation.
Receiving the First Signal
At 03.35, 65 minutes into the launch, the first signal was successfully received from TÜRKSAT 6A as planned. This signal was the first indication that the satellite was operating properly and that communication with the ground control center had been established. One hour after the first signal was received, the first command was successfully transmitted from the mission control center to TÜRKSAT 6A.
Activation of Satellite Systems
Following the launch, TÜRKSAT 6A started to move in an elliptical orbit with an apogee of 300 km and a nadir of 70,000 km. During this process, critical operations such as the deployment of subsystems and solar panels were successfully carried out. At 5:24 a.m., when the satellite was at an altitude of 32,479 kilometers, the solar panels were switched on and energy production reached its maximum level. This was an indication that the satellite was able to generate enough energy on its own and was ready for long-term missions.
Four Stages to Reach Mission Orbit After Launch
TÜRKSAT 6A will pass through four different stages in each firing maneuver from its temporary orbit until it reaches its final orbit.
Orbit Detection
Before each firing maneuver after the satellite separates from the rocket, the satellite's current orbit will first be determined using its communication systems. This stage is critical for determining exactly where the satellite is and what kind of orbit it is moving in.
Determination of Ignition Parameters
According to the satellite's position, the optimum time, duration and firing direction for chemical propulsion engine ignitions will be determined. These parameters will be uploaded to the flight computer, which has completely indigenous software and hardware. This phase will determine the correct firing timing and direction required for the satellite to reach the targeted orbit.
Operation of Firing Commands
At the appropriate moment, the flight computers will execute the launch commands and the launch will take place. This will be a critical step to correct the satellite's trajectory and bring it closer to its final orbit.
Orbit Control
After the firing, the satellite's new orbit will be calculated and the accuracy of the operation will be confirmed. During this phase, the satellite's orbit will be continuously monitored and correction firings will be carried out when necessary.
When these processes are completed, TÜRKSAT 6A will be the indigenous satellite that will operate in the most distant orbit from Earth. Furthermore, the operational experience of TÜRKSAT 6A will provide invaluable information ahead of Turkey's Lunar Exploration Program and will form an important basis for future space missions.
