SpaceX to Launch Turkey’s First Domestically Built Communications Satellite

Space X will launch Turkey’s first domestically produced communications satellite, Turksat 6A, Transport and Infrastructure Minister Adil Karaismailoglu announced in a press release. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.

Turkish engineers will complete assembly, integration and testing of the Turksat 6A by the end of 2022, Karaismailoglu said. The launch will occur in the first quarter of 2023 from Florida.

The satellite will be operated by Turksat S.A., which is the nation’s only communications satellite operator.

A SpaceX Falcon 9 launched the Turksat 5A communications satellite in January from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. SpaceX is scheduled to launch Turksat 5B during the fourth quarter of this year. Airbus Defence and Space built both satellites.