GÖKTÜRK-3 is designed to overcome the fundamental limitations of electro-optical satellites by employing X-band SAR technology, enabling uninterrupted imaging regardless of illumination or weather conditions. Its core operational role is to deliver persistent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) from space, supporting missions such as strategic reconnaissance, target analysis, area monitoring, and change detection.

From a doctrinal perspective, GÖKTÜRK-3 supports space-based persistent surveillance, a critical capability in modern military operations. SAR imagery allows the detection of terrain roughness, surface moisture, structural changes, and man-made objects, making it highly effective against camouflage, smoke, cloud cover, and adverse weather—conditions that degrade optical sensors.

The system architecture consists of a SAR payload, a high-precision attitude and orbit control system, onboard mission computers, and a comprehensive ground segment responsible for mission planning, data reception, processing, archiving, and distribution. Operating in a Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO) ensures consistent imaging geometry and repeatable observation conditions.

In terms of survivability and mission continuity, GÖKTÜRK-3 is designed with redundant subsystems, radiation-tolerant components, and controlled power and thermal management. The satellite has a design life of approximately seven years. An inherent advantage of SAR systems is their relative resilience to passive countermeasures; however, SAR data interpretation requires advanced processing and trained analysts, which is a known operational constraint.

GÖKTÜRK-3 is intended to operate as part of Türkiye’s broader national earth observation satellite ecosystem, complementing existing and future electro-optical systems. While the preliminary design phase was completed in 2016, details regarding final configuration and launch schedule have not been publicly disclosed.

Detailed Technical Information

General Platform

• Satellite mass: ~1,000 kg
• Design life: 7 years
• Orbit: 500 km Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO)

Payload – SAR

• Radar type: Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)
• Resolution: Sub-meter (exact value not publicly released)
• Imaging modes:
  • Spotlight
  • Stripmap
  • Wide Area (ScanSAR-type)

Performance

• Revisit time: ~3.5 days (single-satellite configuration)
• Imaging capability: Day / Night / All weather

Command, Control, and Data

• Ground segment: Mission planning, data reception and processing
• Data links, encryption standards: Not publicly disclosed

Electronic Warfare & Resilience

• ECCM and anti-jamming performance: Not publicly disclosed
• Radiation hardening: Compliant with space mission standards (details not public)

Deployment & Logistics

• Launch vehicle and launch site: Not publicly disclosed
• Integrated logistics support: Included in program scope

Frequently Asked Questions

What is GÖKTÜRK-3 used for?

• GÖKTÜRK-3 provides uninterrupted, high-resolution SAR imagery for military and civilian users, especially when optical satellites cannot operate effectively.

How does it image at night and through clouds?

• SAR systems transmit their own radar signals and analyze the reflections, making them independent of sunlight and largely unaffected by weather conditions.

What is its resolution?

• Publicly available sources state better than 1 meter ground sampling distance; more precise figures have not been released.

What types of targets can it detect?

• Infrastructure, airfields, roads, terrain changes, military facilities, and large-scale movements can be effectively monitored.

Is the system mobile or fixed?

• The satellite operates in orbit; ground segment facilities are fixed installations.

What are its international counterparts?

• Comparable systems include COSMO-SkyMed, TerraSAR-X, and RADARSAT. GÖKTÜRK-3’s key distinction is national ownership and sovereign data control.

Sources

• Official TUSAŞ publications and program briefings
• Public statements by the Presidency of Defence Industries (SSB)
• Open-source defense and space industry reports (2016–2022)