Türkiye targets 2027 launch for first Hursat Earth-observation satellite

Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) plans to launch Hursat-1, the first satellite in its new optical Earth-observation family, in mid-2027 as Türkiye expands its capabilities in space.On Tuesday, TAI CEO Mehmet Demiroglu said on the sidelines of the 77th International Astronautical Congress in Antalya that the sub-meter-resolution satellite will operate in low Earth orbit as part of a planned constellation.The launch will also mark the debut of Türkiye’s first mass-produced satellite family, according to Demiroglu.Hursat-2 to follow on domestic rocketDemiroglu said TAI plans to launch Hursat-2 in 2028 or 2029 aboard Roketsan’s Simsek-1 rocket, linking the country’s satellite manufacturing capabilities with a domestic launch vehicle.“The launch of this satellite will significantly elevate Türkiye in the satellite race,” Demiroglu said, adding that placing a homegrown satellite into orbit using a domestic rocket would put Türkiye among countries with independent access to space.The Hursat platform is designed around modular and reusable subsystems that can accommodate different optical and communications payloads.TAI plans to move toward high-rate production to reduce manufacturing costs and compete for international contracts.“The satellite sector is a rapidly expanding field, and if we can do the manufacturing in a cost-effective manner, which is our current plan, I believe many countries, both large and small, will seek out these platforms,” Demiroglu said.TAI expands aerospace portfolioDemiroglu also highlighted Türkiye’s growing space and aerospace infrastructure, pointing to TAI’s USET space systems integration and testing centre.He said USET is among the world’s leading facilities of its kind and the only such centre operated by a company in Türkiye.

TAI also works with defence electronics company Aselsan and the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TUBITAK).Beyond satellites, TAI recently signed an agreement to deliver 14 Hurkus-II trainer aircraft to the Azerbaijani Air Force, while production of additional prototypes of the supersonic Hurjet trainer continues for planned deliveries to the Turkish and Spanish air forces.The 77th International Astronautical Congress opened Monday in Antalya and runs through Friday.The event is co-hosted by the Turkish Space Agency and SAHA Istanbul and organised by the Industry and Technology Ministry, with Anadolu serving as its global communications partner.