GÖKTÜRK-2 represents Türkiye’s entry into the field of indigenous high-resolution optical Earth observation satellites. The project was initiated in 2007 to reduce foreign dependency in satellite technologies and to establish a sustainable national satellite ecosystem covering design, manufacturing, integration, testing, and operations.

The satellite was developed to meet strategic reconnaissance and surveillance requirements while also supporting civilian applications such as urban planning, environmental monitoring, disaster management, and agricultural analysis. Unlike earlier systems that relied heavily on foreign technology, GÖKTÜRK-2 enabled Turkish engineers to gain hands-on experience across the full satellite life cycle.

From a doctrinal perspective, GÖKTÜRK-2 supports persistent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations. Its sun-synchronous orbit allows consistent lighting conditions, enabling repeatable and comparable imagery for long-term analysis. The satellite is integrated into Türkiye’s national satellite command-and-control infrastructure, allowing sovereign tasking, data acquisition, and distribution.

Beyond its operational role, GÖKTÜRK-2 served as a technology demonstrator and human capital development platform. The knowledge gained directly contributed to more advanced follow-on satellite programs and strengthened Türkiye’s strategic autonomy in space systems.

Detailed Technical Information

Mission Architecture and Role

GÖKTÜRK-2 is an optical Earth observation satellite designed for high-resolution imaging of the Earth’s surface. It captures, stores, and transmits electro-optical imagery to ground stations for processing and exploitation.

Orbit and Launch

• Orbit Type: Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO)
• Orbit Altitude: Approximately 700 km
• Launch Vehicle: Long March (Chang Zheng) family
• Launch Site: Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, China
• Launch Date: 18 December 2012
• Orbit Injection: Successful within ~12 minutes after launch

Satellite Bus and Structure

• Platform Class: Small satellite / microsatellite class
• Structural Design: Modular satellite structure
• Thermal Control: Combination of passive and active thermal control systems
• Materials: Space-grade aluminum alloys and composite elements

Power System

• Power Generation: Deployable solar panels
• Energy Storage: Lithium-ion batteries
• Power Management: Onboard power distribution and regulation unit

Attitude Determination and Control System (ADCS)

• Sensors: Star trackers, gyroscopes, sun sensors
• Actuators: Reaction wheels / momentum wheels
• Navigation Support: GPS-assisted orbit and attitude determination

Optical Payload and Sensors

• Payload Type: Electro-optical imaging system
• Imaging Capability: High-resolution optical imaging
• Spectral Bands: Visible and near-infrared (multispectral)
• Ground Resolution: Exact numerical resolution is not publicly disclosed

Data Handling and Communications

• Onboard Data Storage: Solid-state mass memory
• Downlink: High-speed RF communication to ground stations
• Ground Segment: National ground control and image processing infrastructure

Software and Autonomy

• Indigenous flight software developed for telemetry, command, and control
• Health monitoring and fault management functions implemented onboard

Survivability and Space Environment Resistance

The satellite was qualified against vibration, thermal vacuum, and radiation environments typical of low Earth orbit. Detailed electronic warfare resistance data is not publicly available.

Testing and Verification

All structural, thermal, and functional qualification tests were conducted at Turkish facilities, including thermal vacuum chambers operated by TUSAŞ and TÜBİTAK UZAY.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is GÖKTÜRK-2 used for?

• GÖKTÜRK-2 is used for high-resolution Earth observation, supporting military ISR missions and civilian applications such as mapping, disaster response, and environmental monitoring.

What is its imaging resolution?

• The satellite is officially described as high-resolution; however, precise numerical resolution values are not publicly disclosed.

Which orbit does it operate in?

• It operates in a sun-synchronous low Earth orbit, enabling consistent imaging conditions over time.

Is GÖKTÜRK-2 an indigenous satellite?

• Yes. The satellite was designed, integrated, and tested in Türkiye. Only the launch service was provided externally.

When was it launched?

• GÖKTÜRK-2 was launched on 18 December 2012 from China’s Jiuquan Launch Center.

Which organizations developed it?

• The project was developed jointly by TÜBİTAK UZAY and TUSAŞ under government coordination.

What is the expected service life?

• An official design lifetime has not been publicly stated. Comparable Earth observation satellites typically operate for 5–10 years.

Did it contribute to later satellite programs?

• Yes. GÖKTÜRK-2 laid the technological and human-capital foundation for more advanced national satellite programs.

Sources

• TUSAŞ official GÖKTÜRK-2 program information
• TÜBİTAK UZAY public disclosures and technical briefs
• Turkish Ministry of National Defense public statements

International satellite launch and tracking records