The Road Ahead-Gaining Momentum in Space Industry
Defence Turkey: Mr. Celal Sami Tüfekçi, first of all we would like to thank you for your time. This time last year you were appointed to a new position. Could you please briefly assess the developments that occurred since your appointment and Turkey’s space travel?
When I was appointed to my current position in July 2014, “Göktürk-1” satellite’s transfer to Turkey was in the agenda and on May 7, we transferred the satellite to Turkey. This has been a prominent step for us. Moreover, we have accomplished the opening of the Space Systems Assembly Integration and Test (AIT) Center under the auspices of our President Mr. Recep TayyipErdoğan on May 21stat the premises of TAI. In my opinion, both the opening of the AIT Center and the transfer of the satellite to Turkey should be considered as milestones for Turkey. I assess these developments as the first steps of Turkey’s progress towards becoming one of the spacefaring countries that have important roles in space systems. We are conducting our remaining projects as well; however the greatest step for us has been the transfer of “Göktürk-1” satellite to Turkey.
Defence Turkey: In respect of the rapidly developing and interacting space technologies, where do you think Turkey is heading towards? Within this new process that was launched with the opening of the AIT Center as you have just mentioned, in which areas do you think Turkey should be investing in order to gain critical technologies with high added value?
Space is an area with very high added value.Nowadays Turkey’s recovery of the current deficit is being discussed and we are all required to increase our technology production. Space seems to be the most advantageous area for achieving both requirements aforementioned. Surely, for space systems a country requires the sufficient level of infrastructure and human resources. Fortunately, these started to evolve in Turkey. Despite the fact that we still do not have the desired level of human resources compared with the United Space of America and the European countries, I can confidently claim that we have a sufficient level of will and eagerness for obtaining achievement in this area. In the past, people trained in space engineering departments of the universities used to be employed in various other fields in Turkey. Today, we observe there is a transformation on this issue. In order to make the space area more attractive, we have established this center especially to convey a message for our youth. We need staff to be employed at AIT center. On the other hand, in respect of your question regarding the global course of the space technologies; presently the world is focused on small satellites and heading towards these type of technologies. We also have to concentrate on small satellites. Here, with the term “small satellites”, we refer to ones that are capable of performing the same tasks and functions of the regular sized satellites with higher technologies and lower masses. Satellite systems in these concepts will have to be designed. When I visited the “Satellite 2015” fair at the USA, I observed that almost the entire event focused on this issue. In the fair, reducing the mass and volume of the low earth orbit satellites and Geo-Synchronous communication satellites that would perform the required space tasks were being spoken. For instance, the issue of conducting similar functions with small satellites and constellation satellites were in question. Thus, one may reduce the launching expenses seriously. As of now, the world is dealing with the launchers that are capable of deploying weights up to 300kg. This is the progress of the technology and we have to align ourselves with these technologies. The satellite technologies have a certain product life cycle and within such framework, these products do not require a logistical support. The satellites are completely custom made. Here in Turkey, we have the opportunity to transform these satellites into a serious added value in such concept. Therefore, we exert great efforts to enable the development of our industry and collaboratewith the companies that are active in space area.
Defence Turkey: In addition to the small satellites, could certain “Niche Sectors” be established within the scope of space sub systems through the existing capacity?
The most critical area among them is the development of electro-optical cameras. Unfortunately, this capability does not fully exist in Turkey in the sense of space systems, yet serious attempts and research are observed. There are some experimental cameras in our flying satellites, for instance in the RASAT satellite. Then again, we have to acquire this prospective technology in our new satellites. We may regard the camera technologies as the weakest link in the chain considering the observation satellites. Actually, our various companies such as Aselsan and SDT are working on the technology in the Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellites. TÜBİTAK - Uzay also focuses on them and TAI conducts activities as the system contractor as well. I do not think there will be any problems in the SAR satellites. Electro - optics are far more critical as achieving certain elements in optical design is relatively harder in this technology. Therefore, in my opinion we have to concentrate on the electro - optical space technologies. Besides, Aselsan’s focus on communication products that offer great amounts of added value is essential for the company as well as our country. The guidance should be provided to the small industry in these activities and they should collaborate with the major actors of the industry for decreasing the project processes. For instance, CTECH to assume responsibilities in TCR T6A Project. I believe we have to increase such examples.
Defence Turkey: We have mentioned the need for the labor power and brain power. Is there a plan or a model in this regard? Because there are certain deficiencies concerning this issue as you also stated. Is the reverse brain drain achievable? Are there any other alternatives in your mind? Or could a road map for integrating the trained labor power in foreign countries with Turkey merely for the projects being followed?
The road map regarding the human resources is achieved through the projects and we have to create projects. Yet, the critical point here is that we have to establish models that are capable of competing with the world in financial sense and in regards to the project phases and durations when forming the projects. We have no problems in acquiring accomplishments in terms of engineering capabilities. There are many competent and well trained Turkish engineers in the world. Still, if you do not introduce a good project, you cannot attract the human resources. Presently, highly competent people join TAI, TÜBİTAK-Uzay and Aselsan from time to time. We need to build projects in a way that they could compete globally. If we cannot achieve this, we merely manage to build a space system for 300 units, 400 units or 500 units of cost whereas we could have easily manufactured it for only hundred units of costs through a wisely-built project. This should not be considered as an achievement, it is only fulfilling a task and we cannot get ahead of our rivals with that type of point of view. Therefore, I repeat that the critical point here could merely be accomplished through the parallel and coordinated management of the processes and budget similar to ones in the world. We are just beginning to perform such activities. There are countries in the world that are 45 years ahead of us. Then again, not the whole world is ahead of us. We are more advanced than some countries. However, how will we fill this gap of 45 years? We have to concentrate especially on niche technologies. Manufacturing each and every component of a product does not make it national or indigenous. I do not agree with that. In a global world, we will have to procure the satellite sub systems, electronic sub systems from various countries and we are already doing that. Although, there are certain critical technologies that will not be offered, which are these? These are the electro-optical cameras, computer hardware, encrypted products and software.Turkey has no problem in producing hardware. Hardware is achievable. The most significant component is the crypto and we have our TÜBİTAK BILGEM Institute and Aselsan company that conduct serious activities on this area. I believe that through using the know-how accumulated in Turkey, we will be raising the bar to higher levels and I sincerely hope that Turkey will be acquiring a serious level of added value in the near future from such projects.
Defence Turkey: What are your comments on the establishment of a space agency in Turkey?
The efforts for the establishment of Turkey’s Space Agency under the auspices of the Ministry of Transportation, Maritime Affairs and Communications are continuing. We participate in these activities as the Undersecretariat for Defence Industries and the Ministry of National Defence. There is a committee as part of these efforts and we contribute to this committee. We made certain suggestions on the model to be established. We offered a structure similar to the Defence Industry Executive Committee to the draft law on the establishment of the space agency. I wish the space agency to feature a structure that primarily identifies the space policies and coordinates the activities of the various institutions while identifying the ways of such coordination. In my opinion, in the initial stage, the space agency would not be requiring various departments, divisions and a lot of human resources and it should not necessarily be a grand institution. Without doubt, we wish it would be an institution like the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) of the USA or the European Space Agency (ESA). However, instead of directly comparing ourselves with such institutions, adopting the countries that implemented and achieved the space agency concept as models would be more advantageous. In the researches I conducted within this framework, Sweden and Israel come to the forefront. The space agencies of these countries rather execute the coordination. Sweden even has the “Space Board”, the Space Executive Board. Since Sweden is a relatively small country, the members of this Board are not permanent; they have other jobs as well. They merely attend the Board meetings, form the policy documents and coordinate the projects.
Defence Turkey: Do they rather function as Decision Makers?
This Space Board is a part of the Ministry of Education and Technology and the Members of the Board have other jobs as well. The Board is composed of members that are known to be competent in the space area and are capable of creating and conducting policies. They form a policy and forecast a budget while taking the resources of the country into consideration. There is a similar implementation in Israel as well. Establishing a complicated and unwieldyorganization at the first stage would not be convenient. I think this is very critical. The second point, in my belief is that this space agency should be established under the auspices of the Prime Ministry as there are many various ministries that have operations regarding the space area. Presently, the Undersecretariat for Defence Industries spends most in space area. Surely, the Ministry of Transportation, Maritime Affairs and Communications has spending concerning the space. The TURKSAT 6A Project was launched. On the other hand, TÜBİTAK and the Ministry of Development make spending regarding the space area. In my opinion, limiting this agency as an organ within the framework of a Ministry would not be appropriate and as an indicator of the importance Turkey attaches to the space, this Agency would be more effective being under the Prime Ministry.Our Space Agency will identify its policies in line with the developments of the world and Turkey and propose it to the approval of the Council of Ministers. A committee similar to the Defence Industry Executive Committee will gather under the leadership of the Prime Minister and adopt its resolutions regarding the major projects. Therefore, in a structure which Prime Minister is included, the activities concerning the space in Turkey would be directly discussed with the participation of the representatives of the related ministries and institutions. Thus, in areas where grand investments are made, without being involved in competitions for acquiring projects, significant projects would be conducted through a common synergy.
Defence Turkey: Would this supreme board be the common point of all the institutions?
Today, we do not have an infrastructure in Turkey that is required for the formation of a structure such as the NASA. If we strive to manage the infrastructure both through the human resources and research laboratories, we would have to postpone our activities regarding the space. Our priority as of now is to accelerate the ongoing projects and provide coordination and create new projects. Today we have a satellite launcher project. Turkey initiated a program for launching its satellites to the space. Currently, we reached to a certain point in theory. As soon as we launch the second phase, people will start to show their interest. This is a long term project. Even if we manage to complete this project in 10 years, we wish to build a model that allows continuous launches.
Defence Turkey: You have recently mentioned the example in Sweden. Do you have an institutional cooperation with Sweden or with the European Space Agency (ESA)? Is there an interaction? Is developing joint projects in question?
Some types of cooperation exist. We are exerting efforts to build cooperation within the scope of some programs in Turkey as well. We have regional positioning and timing system project that we name as the RPTS as part of the Galileo program. Even if not in global size, with this project, we wish to provide Turkey’s indigenous positioning and timing system locally. This will increase our independence. To this end, we are currently examining both the space and earth technologies. Within this scope, we recently contacted with the Galileo program conducted by the European Commission. We are strictly executing our activities with them. We intend to be involved in the Galileo program not only as the Undersecretariat for Defence Industries but also as Turkey. We made certain attempts through our Ministry of European Union Affairs. We are in contact with our permanent undersecretary at Brussels. Unfortunately, as Turkey is not yet a member of the European Union, entering this project will not be easy. Similarly, Switzerland is not an EU member, but through making a certain investment, the country managed to include itself in the project. We wish to implement the same model. We even negotiated with the OHB Company that is the contractor of the satellites of the Galileo project and introduced our AIT Center to them. We had a contact with them for manufacturing these satellites in a shorter duration at our AIT Center. We are discussing with OHB Company regardingthe integration of the satellites in Turkey.
Defence Turkey: There may be an industrial participation I presume?
These projects are not only established for building new satellites or conducting our own indigenous designs. We wish that our AIT Center is actively used and we plan to conduct the integration of the satellites that were designed abroad at the center. The institutions that are customers of satellite systems require the rapid delivery of these satellites. The companies require human resources in order to accelerate the process. We inform them on the establishment of our AIT Center in Turkey and add that we have the essential human resources and that it will develop day by day. We would like to improve our human resources, so the foreign countries create new projects while we integrate the satellites here in Turkey. We are currently emphasizing this model.
Defence Turkey: As you have mentioned, we have a satellite launcher project that will enable Turkey to take a giant leap regarding the space systems. What is the current status of this program?
This satellite launcher project was planned in two main phases. We completed the conceptual design phase to which we refer as the first phase. We learnt a lot during this phase. This project is being carried outby Roketsan (as the main contractor). The satellite launcher will transfer the load of 1500 kg to the Sun Synchronous Orbit. Though, we prefer to focus on the technologies rather than merely focusing on the launcher as their achievability in Turkey would be further strengthening our country. The fuel oil technologies for the launcher, solid fuels for the Booster Motors and Guidance Technologies will have to be accomplished in Turkey. We are conducting technological breakdowns. Presently, we are forming the scenarios that would transport this load of 1500 kg to the synchronous orbit in the second phase. Our own observation satellites are categorized in 1500kg class. This is the foreseen weight within this scope and we wish to gradually reach this level. Our universities and research institutions are very willing to achieve this. Today, Roketsan is establishing an R&D center within the scope of this project. Various R&D activities are being conducted at TÜBİTAK-SAGE. TAI already has its R&D activitiesata certain capacity. Similarly, Aselsan owns a certain level of know-how. Therefore, we wish to gain this technical know-how to Turkey through creating R&D projects. It is very easy to achieve something by procuring the parts from somewhere. But we wish our engineers in Turkey to produce them instead. We wish this satellite launcher project to be a continuous one. When we acquire this capability after ten year time, we wish to become a country that is able to conduct 3 to 5 launches on a yearly basis and that is capable of launching a certain level of weight.Eventually our final end is to place satellites into GEO synchronous orbit as well as the low earth orbit.Of course this is only achievable through the acquisition of technological capabilities. For instance, the Vega satellite launcher similar to the one we designed functions with solid fuels and is built for conducting launches to low earth orbits. While designing the Arien rocket, the know-how was formed regarding the rockets used as boosters. As you observe the satellites you have, you come to the point where you start projecting what to do with this. There is a certain level of infrastructure in Turkey. I greatly trust the Turkish engineers and Turkish academicians and I believe that through hard working we will be able to acquire such sub technologies. However, as I have just mentioned, we attach great importance to the international cooperation as we wish the continuity of our space activities. We are availablefor international cooperation. We intend to design a satellite launcher that is designed by civilian resources. While we acquire the technologies through R&D projects, in order to speed up the process and clarify the type of the operation model, we are conducting negotiations with the countries that own this technology such as the USA, Brazil, Ukraine, France, Russia and Germany. We are contacting with the companies operating the launching complexes. We contacted with Mitsubishi Japan in particular and soon they will be inviting us. On the other hand, how is a launching complex operated? What are financial impacts of such a complex? What are the profits and losses? We are studying on these aspects. Once again I repeat that launching is not a profitable area. Although it is not financially profitable, it is really a prestigious activity. Launching enables your access to the space. Today, the launching companies have annual profits of 1 million, 3 million Euros from time to time and sometimes 10 million Euros. Surely, these figures depend on the launching conditions and sometimes vary due to the incidents occurring during the launch. These are not very high profits, I mean in order to make great sums of money,a businessman would not usually select this type of business. Then again, the way to access space goes through launching technologies.
Defence Turkey: Within this context, which type of an operation model is Turkey planning?
As Turkey, instead of inspecting the methods of reaching these capabilities after 10-20 years of time, we are asking ourselves the ways of achieving this in 5 year time. We are conducting negotiations on establishing operation models with countries having this technology while we develop our indigenous technologies nationally. To this end, we recently contacted with an American company and they were quite interested. On the other hand, we are trying to make contacts with Brazil while we negotiate with the Ukranian and Russian companies. We are struggling to determine targets that would carry us to the level we wish as Turkey.
Defence Turkey: Could you please inform us on the current status of the Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite program namely the “Göktürk-3”?
We accomplished the SRR phase of the “Göktürk-3” project. We are the owner of this project as the Undersecretariat for Defence Industries (SSM). Our Air Forces Command is the customer institution; we are in charge of providing the coordination amongst the institutions within the scope of this project. Taking a look at the USA, we come across many satellite companies competing with each other. Then there are many small sized satellites companies as well. They make contracts and achieve this. There are also major companies such as the Boeing and the Lockheed. Before arriving that point, in Turkey we do not need to enter an uncalled-for competition and rivalry. As of now, everyone agrees that our TÜBİTAK institution should stay on R&D side. Similarly, TÜBİTAK Uzay realizes that it should remain on the R&D part. TAI is a main system integrator and the company has to create an added value from this. Nowadays, TAI is gradually acquiring the projects and the required capabilities. In order to create a difference, TAI has to market these technologies to the world. Otherwise, we cannot keep the team that would build our national satellites in our own projects. For attracting trained staff, we need to open to the world. We are looking forward to this and working to this end. We intend to streng then Aselsan in useful loads as well. Aselsan is in charge of the useful loads within the scope of the TURKSAT-6A and“Göktürk-3” programs. This project is presently proceeding in line with the foreseen schedule. We have envisaged the Göktürk-3 project until the PDR phase. We will complete the PDR in the second half of 2016 and without any breaks we will be signing the contract regarding the CDR and production phase with TAI. This will be a huge gain for us. Because even though some images may be captured in electro-optical band through satellites such as Göktürk-1, one may acquire very precious data through SAR satellites. Comparing the SAR satellites that are capable of overcoming the optical barriers with the electro - optical satellites, you come across the fact that the SAR satellites can be utilized in all weather conditions and geometrically. Turkey having these technologies is of utmost importance and our efforts to this end are proceeding in a pleasing manner.
Defence Turkey: Let’s put a bracket here at this point, SAR technology is owned only by a few countries in the world. To which point would this capability take Turkey?
This technology is owned merely by the developed countries of the world and Turkey’s acquisition of such technology is worthy of respect. Therefore, I believe that with the accomplishment of this gain, an important difference will be created. There are countries in the world with such technologies. The German, French and American companies may sell the SAR satellites they have on our demand. We have to take these countries as role models in gaining these capabilities. I may overstep my mark when saying this but I believe that we can sell these technologies or maybe more advanced ones to the ones who already own them for better prices. We will only have to work harder and really intend to achieve this. If a country proposes a satellite featuring more capabilities for a lower price, it could easily sell this to all the countries of the world. In my opinion,Turkey’s acquisition of the SAR technologies will be gaining the country a serious new capacity in both military and civilian sense considering the financial aspects and the observation capacity of the satellite.
Defence Turkey: Our Anka-S Unmanned Aerial Vehicle featuring SATCOM capability has been introduced at the IDEF. When the coordinated functioning of our Communication Satellites and Unmanned AerialVehicles is accomplished, which capabilities will Turkey be gaining regarding intelligence as well as reconnaissance and surveillance?
SATCOM activates the interaction of Unmanned AerialVehicles (UAV) with communication satellites. UAV systems are not being conducted by our department but as you also know the unmanned aerialvehicles are programmed before and you operate an aircraft through a certain control loop. Once you are able to download the data of the location of the aircraft via a satellite, you may operate your aircraft anywhere around the world. The regular UAV is not capable of flying further than 300km. If the UAVs utilizing SATCOM exceed 300km, system will not be returning home automatically. The SATCOM feature will be utilized more with the communication satellites in Unmanned AerialVehicles.
Defence Turkey: Will these capabilities applied for intelligence purposes be providing us a real-time viewpoint?
From our satellites flying at 700km orbits, one may capture the image of the same region within 2,5 days again. When you receive an image from a critical location or when you explore something, you may send your unmanned systems to that location and manage the operations through the unmanned systems until the satellite returns. Our observation satellites will be providing advantages in combined task design when supported with the UAVs.
Defence Turkey: Mr. Tüfekçi, within the scope of the Kilic (Sword) Class Military Assault Boat Combat System Project’s proposal evaluation stage was completed at the beginning of this year and the contract was signed during IDEF 15’ event. What would you like to say on the advantages of this program for Turkey as well as the current status of the program?
The contract was signed during IDEF and the Kick-off was held. With this project, our Naval Forces Command will be procuring satellite and direct data and sound capability in Kilic Class Assault Boats. This project that is to be conducted by Aselsan (as the main contractor) is also a marketable product. Well, this is what we expect from Aselsan and they claim to provide such a product containing such features. The sea conditionsare not same as the ground conditions considering the cost efficiency and capabilities. There is a gimbal system that enables the stabilization during waves and motions of the sea. This is a system that is capable of tracking the communication satellites and it operates at X band. The broadcast is collected from a greater area via the antenna at X band. Therefore, these antennas will have to be directed very precisely. The SATCOM platform will initially be transferred onto the Kilic class assault boats and then onto the vessels of other classes quite smoothly. As our Naval Forces Command has an urgent requirement, it will be installed on Kilic Class Assault Boats at the first stage.This stabilization and its electro - optical performance is quite important and there we create the difference. Here the critical point is the gimbal enabling the stabilization. Aselsan is making a difference in this project and in my opinion both Aselsan and our country in general will be benefitting from the added value created in this project.
Defence Turkey: Well, how are the TSK KU Band and TSK X Band satellite combat system programs proceeding?
These programs are proceeding very well. A project named as the TURKSAT 6A was initiated. TÜBİTAK-Uzay is the main contractor of it and a fine model was built within the scope of the project. A consortium formed by TÜBİTAK Uzay, TAI ,ASELSAN ve CTECH will take part in the Program. Aselsan is working on the technologies that will be covering our military demands in X Band and the Project is advancing smoothly. With the achievements gained within the scope of the program, Turkey’s acquisition of added value through establishing cooperation with the companies abroad (when required) is aimed. This is quite important as one cannot proceed in satellite manufacture with the motto “I will produce it, stock it and then sell it”. You built the satellites especially in accordance with the customer’s specifications. The production costs are quite high and cooperation is of vital importance for reducing such costs. Therefore, the countries and companies aware of Turkey’s eagerness make investments and build cooperation. What this provides is that; it speeds up the processes and as the processes accelerate, our reach to the added value increases as well.
Defence Turkey: Within the framework of the “Göktürk-1” project, we received our satelliteat the beginning of May. The satellite was delivered to Turkey for test and integration operations and was the very first guest of the recently launched Space Systems Assembly Integration and Test Center. Which tests will be applied to the satellite during the process until the launch? With the launching schedule and as part of the program, which accomplishments will Turkey be gaining?
Our Göktürk-1 satellite was transferred to Turkey with a huge Antanov aircraft and landed on the airport on May 7th, and was delivered to the AIT center at the TAI premises as you have also mentioned. The tests of the satellite will be launched at the beginning of July. Initially, the vibration tests will be conducted. As you know, the satellite is exposed to a great vibration when it is placed in the launcher and when the launcher is fired. The devices and infrastructure that simulate this vibration are available at AIT Center. During these tests, the satellite is vibrated both vertically and horizontally in various frequencies, and in frequencies similar to ones formed by the launcher and tested whether there is a structural deficiency or not, if the electronic signals are functioning well and if the cards are broken or not. Similarly, there is a room simulated with acoustic interactions that the satellite is exposed to inside the compartment - what we name as the fairing - within the satellite launcher during the launching and when the fairing is opened. In here, the shock effects and distorting effects of the acoustic stresses over the electronic complements will be tested. Various test signals will be transmitted to the space and satellite’s function in this respect will be tested with the returning signals. Moreover, we need to conduct the moment of inertia measurements of the satellite. Why? Because we need to check the satellite in order to make it observe the location we request. The center of mass is the most important component of this test and the inertial around the center of mass will have to be measured very precisely as we identify the control forces according to these results. The “Göktürk-1” satellite is capable of capturing images at a precise orbit while rotating around the axis where it observes the earth. It collects spot images so the measurements and tests are of critical importance. Then we expose it to the thermal environmental tests in a thermal vacuum chamber. At the space, the part facing the sun heats up to a degree of +180 degrees Celsius while the other parts cools down to - 100 degrees Celsius and this is a serious difference. You have to take these temperature differences into consideration. There are heaters inside as you have to heat the equipment if they breakdown under - 100 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, similarly you have to cool down the other part as well. This thermal environment can merely be provided at the Thermal Vacuum Chamber. Through cryogenic pumps, we absorb the air inside and leave the environment airless at the Thermal Vacuum Chamber and create a vacuum environment. We try to simulate the space environment. In this way, we aim to project all the problems that the satellite may endure at the orbit and throughout its life cycle. After all there is a very precise electro - optical camera over the satellite. It is a highly electronic environment and there are computers as well. We are conducting these tests in order to adopt necessary precautions for any errors that may occur in any of these components. Moreover, we put the satellite to tests we refer as the Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)and Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) tests.In this way, we are able to observe and test the behavior of the satellite when exposed to the electromagnetic waves from outside and the interaction of the electronic cards. As a result of these studies, if any design changes are required, we allow the execution of these alterations. There is also another compartment. We have quite a big chamber which we name as the Compact Antenna Test Range that we will not use in our “Göktürk-1” satellite but will use for the communication satellites. Here, we are capable of testing the signals transmitted from the reflectors that are able to simulate the satellites sending RF signals from the GEO synchronous orbit. Another useful capability for our communication satellite designs is the environment at AIT Center where the solar panels are operated. In this place, the solar panels of our “Göktürk-1” satellite will be operated and the test will be repeated. In addition to these, there are environments in which many technical operations are conducted. The most important one is the blanket that enables the temperature check of the satellite passively, to which we refer as the MLI. Our Göktürk-1 satellite will go through approximately all these tests except the Antenna test.
Defence Turkey: Besides the test and integration of our own satellites, are there any demands coming from the allied and regional countries regarding the AIT Center? Moreover, what will be the operation model of this facility?
Thales Alenia Space, the main contractor of the AIT Center, is a French company. We conducted negotiations with the CEO of this company during the opening of the AIT Center. He mentioned that this center was a state-of-the-art facility and that they were proud to build such a center. He even mentioned that as a result of their intensive workload, they may transfer some of their satellites to this center for tests in the upcoming period and added that they were willing to establish cooperation in this respect. This facility was built through the financial investments of the Undersecretariat for Defence Industries and TURKSAT. In this financial model, TAI will be in charge of the operation of the facility. TAI has protocols with us as well as with both TURKSAT and other related parties. This center will not only be utilized for the integration of the space systems. If demanded, one may test any electronic or electro-magnetic device in space. TAI has been exerting great efforts in order to market such aspects. The company has serious endeavors. We are supporting and directing our TAI company to this end as well. In this center, the devices and equipment of regular usage such as user electronics may also be tested besides the satellite integration but we aim the center to conduct rather space-intensive tests. We wish to create added value in the space area and plan this center to specifically concentrate on the space. We have a facility in which the space systems and the components of their sub-systems can be tested. We intend to avail this center to the utilization of the world and this intention will remain.
Defence Turkey: Have you conducted any negotiations with companies except for Thales Alenia?
As Thales Alenia built the facility, we developed a bond with them, yet there are demands of other countries as well. For instance OHB; if we agree with them, we will be able to integrate the Galileo satellites at the premises of TAI or bring the sub systems and run the tests here. The companies endeavor to seize a particular schedule as their customers dictate them to do so. In addition to the price, the program schedule is of vital importance for the competing companies. If a company offers to deliver you a satellite in 18 months while the other one proposes to do so in 24 months, then you can select the one offering to complete the delivery in 18 months even if the price it proposes is higher.
We are conducting bilateral negotiations regarding the facility. There are no written contracts yet but there are incoming demands. We are contacting Airbus Company. We negotiated with the Orbital and we are continuing our contacts with Thales. I hope to accomplish some developments in the near future.
Defence Turkey: How many satellites could the facility accommodate as of now?
The center allows the testing of two satellites (One observation satellite and one communication satellite) in parallel. We are capable of testing the communication and observation satellites up to 5 tons at the facility.
Defence Turkey: In the establishment of this center, the priority is the fulfillment of Turkey’s requirements, then offering services to worldwide users is planned. Is there a plan in particular for the prospective demands in this respect?
The projects in Turkey’s hand are obvious, there are 3 satellites namely Turksat 6A, “Göktürk -3” and “Göktürk-4”. When the satellite programs that we develop, manufacture and sell start their formation then we may speak of an evaluation schedule. But now, from Turkey’s point of view, when we take a look at the schedule there is no density. This center has to be operated. It has to be busy so that when required, I may be able to prioritize the test of my own satellite. If I receive an order from a foreign country, I may be capable of transferring this satellite to the facilities in France or Italy and get them tested there. The world does so. Sweden adopts this method. Even the country has less population than our country, Sweden has a great space program, yet Sweden does not own a test center such like ours. We may reach to an agreement with Sweden and get their programs tested in Turkey. Somebody will have to achieve this through marketing activities. TAI is already quite active in this respect.
Defence Turkey: Would Turkey become a hub in this sense?
In respect of its location, Turkey is a portal to both Asia and Middle East in addition to the Turkic Republics. Moreover, it will be a center of attraction concerning the labor costs. After all, the countries wish to monitor their projects closely. Imagine that the USA procured a satellite project from Kazakhstan or Turkmenistan. The aforementioned countries’ visiting the States and continuously checking their projects would be difficult and take long time. If these tests are conducted in Turkey, I believe that this would provide many advantages in time and costs both to the main contractor and to the user countries.
Defence Turkey: Our “Göktürk -2” satellite has been performing its tasks at its orbit for more than two years. What would you like to comment on the performance of the satellite?
As a person involved in the design process of the “Göktürk-2” satellite, this is an issue that I am personally very proud of. I had the opportunity to work in the AOCS area of the “Göktürk-2” satellite in addition to its programming. “Göktürk-2” is a project that we had the breakthrough from our worries and questions such as “will we be able to achieve it too?”, “will they be able to function compatibly and efficiently?”
Göktürk-2 functions in a very high level of performance. There is a separatecommand managed by our Air Forces Command. We also built a ground station and it operates very efficiently. We have a team that reached a serious level of competence both in downloading the images and processing them. The satellite functions beyond our expectations. Owning a satellite that is capable of capturing images in high precision and functioning perpetually fills us with pride.
Defence Turkey: Following the launch of Göktürk-1 satellite, is there any plan for the integration on the interoperability of “Göktürk-2”and ground stations?
“Göktürk-2” program was initiated as an R&D Project. However, “Göktürk-2” exceeded the R&D project and it is now being used as a product. Due to the financial problems of those times, the ground station as part of the “Göktürk-2” project was planned as a mobile platform. Although, with the launch of “Göktürk-1” Project, the mobile stations of “Göktürk-2” satellite were transformed into fixed stations. The ground stations of “Göktürk-1” and“Göktürk-2” satellites were expanded, nested at the same place. The antennas compatible with the more capable Göktürk-1 were installed there. They operate jointly in a compatible manner. When we launch a mini satellite, we will be able to expand this through placing additional servers and extra components.
Defence Turkey: Finally, how will our satellite family be operating at the space in years 2020 and 2030 and what are your projections regarding Turkey’s activities at the space in those years?
When we arrive to year 2030, our Göktürk-3 (SAR) satellite would be performing its task and transmitting the earth images obtained from radars for a few years. Göktürk-1 satellite will have completed its life cycle and our Göktürkrenewal satellites will have been launched instead. In addition to our national communication satellite Turksat 6A, our National Military Communication Satellite MAHU will have been launched. Hopefully, in year 2030, we will be able to witness the days where our industry is exporting satellites to foreign countries. God willing, in those years, we will have tested our own launching systems and have launched our own observation satellites via our own launchers.
