GÖKTÜRK-2: Turkey’s First National Reconnaissance Satellite
**Turkey’s first national reconnaissance satellite, GÖKTÜRK-2, has successfully completed its remarkable 12-year mission in orbit.** In a statement released by TÜBİTAK UZAY, the satellite’s achievements were celebrated as a significant milestone in the history of Turkish space technologies, showcasing the country’s domestic engineering capabilities. Launched on December 18, 2012, from the Jiuquan Launch Center in China, GÖKTÜRK-2 has provided essential imaging services to the Turkish Armed Forces and various public institutions throughout its operational life.
Beyond military applications, GÖKTÜRK-2 has been instrumental in diverse sectors such as environmental management, urban planning, agriculture, and forestry. With the capacity to capture images of thousands of square kilometers, the satellite has also played a crucial role in disaster response and emergency management, enhancing Turkey’s overall capability in these critical areas.
A Technological Triumph
GÖKTÜRK-2 is heralded as a landmark achievement in advancing Turkey’s expertise in space technologies. The success of this satellite has laid the groundwork for subsequent initiatives, including the İMECE satellite and Turkey’s first national communications satellite, TÜRKSAT 6A. These projects are vital to the ongoing development of Turkey’s space industry and reflect the country’s ambition to cultivate independent technological solutions.
Originally intended for a five-year mission, GÖKTÜRK-2 has exceeded all expectations, operating efficiently for 12 years thanks to its superior engineering design. This longevity not only signifies Turkey’s growing self-reliance in space technologies but also serves as a source of inspiration for future projects in the national space program.
Engineering Excellence
The GÖKTÜRK-2 satellite was designed by Turkish engineers and successfully placed into its operational orbit following its launch in 2012. It stands out as the first high-resolution Earth observation satellite developed entirely within Turkey. The project was initiated under the TÜBİTAK Public Institutions Research and Development Projects Support Program, with a Project Support Agreement signed on April 13, 2007, involving the Ministry of National Defense, TÜBİTAK, and Turkish Aerospace Industries Inc. (TUSAŞ).
All engineering activities related to the GÖKTÜRK-2 project, including design, production, and testing, were conducted domestically. Pre-shipment tests were carried out at TUSAŞ facilities before the satellite was sent to China for launch. The satellite was successfully launched on December 18, 2012, at 18:13 Turkish time, and confirmed its operational status by transmitting its first signal just 12 minutes later.
Technical Specifications
GÖKTÜRK-2 operates at an orbit height of 700 kilometers, completing a revolution around the Earth every 98 minutes. It has a global observation capacity and an average revisit time of approximately 2.5 days. With a mass of 409 kg, it is equipped with imaging storage capabilities of 8 GB plus an additional 32 GB, enabling it to capture high-resolution images with a black-and-white resolution of 2.5 meters and a color resolution of 5 meters.
The primary objective of the GÖKTÜRK-2 Project was to develop the necessary technology, expertise, and infrastructure for space and satellite systems, while meeting the observational needs of national institutions. The successful fulfillment of these goals has also led to the training of specialized personnel within TUSAŞ for future satellite endeavors.
Future Prospects
As a result of the GÖKTÜRK-2 project, Turkey has established critical infrastructure and capabilities for satellite design, analysis, production, assembly, integration, and testing. This foundation paves the way for future advancements in the country’s space program, with ASELSAN already beginning work on the synthetic aperture radar (SAR) payload for the upcoming GÖKTÜRK-3 satellite.
Overall, the GÖKTÜRK-2 satellite not only represents a significant technological achievement for Turkey but also positions the nation as a competitive player in the global space industry. The lessons learned and expertise gained from this project will undoubtedly contribute to the success of future space missions.
