Türkiye launches largest private sector satellite into orbit

Türkiye has achieved a significant milestone in its space technology development with the successful launch of its largest domestically produced private sector satellite. The FGN-100-d2, developed by Fergani Space—a subsidiary of Turkish defense company Baykar—was launched aboard SpaceX's Bandwagon-4 mission from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on Sunday.

Satellite Specifications and Mission

Weighing 104 kilograms, the FGN-100-d2 represents Türkiye's heaviest private sector satellite to reach orbit. The spacecraft successfully separated from the launch vehicle approximately 74 minutes after liftoff and entered its target low Earth orbit, where it will complete approximately 15 rotations around the planet daily. The satellite commenced operations shortly after establishing its first telemetry connection with ground control.

Strategic Importance and Future Plans

Fergani Space CEO Selcuk Bayraktar confirmed the satellite serves as a test platform for the developing Ulug Bey Global Positioning System, a project entirely funded and developed with domestic resources. Bayraktar announced ambitious plans to deploy over 100 satellites within five years to establish comprehensive GPS services for Türkiye and allied nations, with the current satellite expected to remain operational for five to seven years.

Domestic Technological Capabilities

The FGN-100-d2 showcases entirely domestic technological achievements, including Turkish-developed avionics equipment, homegrown software integration, structural design, and environmental testing. The satellite will demonstrate capabilities in orbit management, telemetry-telecommand communications, positioning systems, and payload communication during its mission, while Fergani Space continues development of an orbital transfer vehicle for future launches.