Turkey plans launch of HÜRSAT satellites from 2027
Mehmet Demiroğlu, General Manager of the Turkish aerospace company TUSAŞ (Turkish Aerospace Industries), has recently announced a detailed schedule for Turkey' s national satellite launch program.
This initiative involves the development and deployment of two new satellites, HÜRSAT-1 and HÜRSAT-2.
The announcement underscores Turkey' s growing commitment to establishing independent capabilities in space technology and reinforces the country' s strategic goal of strengthening its position in space. According to Demiroğlu, the first satellite, HÜRSAT-1, is scheduled for launch in mid-2027.
This will mark a significant milestone for the Turkish space program, which aims to develop advanced technological solutions for both civilian and military purposes.
HÜRSAT-1 is a key part of this strategy to expand Turkey’s reach and influence in Earth' s orbit. Furthermore, the launch of HÜRSAT-2 is set for the 2028–2029 period.
This second satellite will be sent into space using ROKETSAN' s proprietary ŞİMŞEK-1 rocket.
This aspect of the project is particularly notable, as it demonstrates Turkey' s ability to not only build satellites but also to develop and manufacture its own launch systems, which is a hallmark of advanced spacefaring nations. The HÜRSAT project represents a strategic investment in Turkey' s technological sovereignty.
By developing its own satellites and rockets, Turkey reduces its reliance on foreign suppliers for critical space infrastructure.
TUSAŞ plays a key role as the primary contractor for the satellites, leveraging its expertise in aviation and defense to ensure the systems are robust and sophisticated. ROKETSAN' s contribution with the ŞİMŞEK-1 rocket is another example of indigenous engineering.
The ŞİMŞEK-1 is designed to be a cost-effective and reliable solution for launching small and medium-sized payloads into low Earth orbit.
Developing such capabilities is essential for achieving national space goals, including surveillance, communication, and scientific research, while building critical expertise within the country' s defense industry. These projects contribute not only to technological progress but also to economic growth and job creation within high-tech sectors.
Investment in space technology fosters innovation in related industries and strengthens Turkey' s global competitiveness, particularly in defense, telecommunications, and data management, all of which benefit from advanced satellite capability. The launch of HÜRSAT-1 and HÜRSAT-2 is a clear signal of Turkey' s long-term ambitions in space.
In recent years, the country has invested significant resources into its national space program, which includes goals to develop advanced satellites for various purposes, as well as future plans for manned and unmanned space missions.
These satellites will form central elements of a growing fleet of Turkish spacecraft. The ability to manage the entire lifecycle, from design and manufacturing to the launch and operation of satellites, provides Turkey with strategic independence.
This is especially relevant at a time when access to space resources is becoming increasingly vital for national security, communication, and data collection.
The HÜRSAT project helps secure Turkey' s access to and utilization of space in the decades to come, positioning the country as a capable international player.
Source: TRT Haber
