Türksat 6A satellite to be launched into space tonight

Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu stated that they are monitoring the preparations for the launch of the Türksat 6A communication satellite. 

According to a written statement from the Ministry, Turkey's first communication satellite produced by Turkish engineers, Türksat 6A, will be launched into orbit tonight at 00:20 from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, USA, by the company SpaceX, with the participation of Uraloğlu.

Following the launch, which will take place at midnight, AKP Chairman and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is expected to release a video message. Minister Uraloğlu will also establish a live connection from the Kennedy Space Center.

"PREPARATIONS ARE PROCEEDING WITHOUT ISSUES"

Uraloğlu reported that preparations for the launch operations are proceeding without any issues.

Stating that they are following the preparations, Uraloğlu said, "God willing, by successfully carrying out the launch of Türksat 6A, a symbol of our independence, tonight, we will become one of the 11 countries that produce their own satellites and we will leave our mark in space."

Minister Uraloğlu also provided the following information regarding the process that will take place after the satellite is launched:

"Following the launch, our satellite, which will set off with its chemical propulsion system, will reach its permanent orbit at 42 degrees east longitude, 35 thousand 786 kilometers away. We plan to begin orbital tests there. After the tests, which will last approximately 1 month, we will take delivery of our satellite and put it into operation."

Uraloğlu stated, "Our satellite will be able to meet Turkey's satellite communication needs, primarily in TV broadcasting, as well as communication services and its wide coverage area. Furthermore, it will enter the coverage area of India, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia, where existing satellites do not provide service, and will serve 5 billion people."