GÖKTÜRK-2 is Turkey's first indigenous high-resolution earth observation satellite, designed by Turkish engineers and launched in 2012 from China. Developed through a collaboration between TÜBİTAK and TUSAŞ, this satellite has enhanced Turkey's national capabilities in space and satellite systems, aiming to meet both civilian and military observational needs.

GÖKTÜRK-2 Satellite Project

Initiated under a contract signed in 2007, GÖKTÜRK-2 is a collaborative effort between the Turkish Ministry of National Defense, TÜBİTAK Presidency, TUSAŞ, and TÜBİTAK SPACE. This project was aimed at improving Turkey's national resources and abilities in space and satellite systems.

Contributions and Development Process by TUSAŞ

TUSAŞ played a significant role in the design, analysis, production, and testing processes of various components of the GÖKTÜRK-2 Satellite.

These processes included:

• Design and integration of the Satellite Structural System, Thermal Control System, and Attitude Determination and Control System
• Design and integration of the system layout and satellite cabling
• Design and production of the Attitude Determination and Control Interface electronics
• Assembly and testing of Satellite Models
• Operation of the Thermal Vacuum Chamber for satellite thermal tests
• Development of national thermal analysis software

Technical Specifications and Launch

The GÖKTÜRK-2 Satellite, after completing pre-shipment tests at TUSAŞ facilities, was sent to China's Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center and launched on December 18, 2012.

The satellite settled into its mission orbit 12 minutes post-launch, with the first signal received on the same day.

Long-Term Impact of the Project

The GÖKTÜRK-2 Project aimed to enhance Turkey's technological and human resource capacity in the field of space and satellite systems. This project has been instrumental in developing the necessary expertise and infrastructure for Turkey's future satellite projects.