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EmailProgramme kickoff for Turkey's Gokturk satellite system
- Supplied by Telespazio and Thales Alenia Space
-- Gokturk and Sicral 2, awarded last May, are the last two major programmes built in the frame of the Space Alliance
(Cannes, September 7, 2010) -- Telespazio and Thales Alenia Space today announced the official start of the Gokturk observation satellite system for the Turkish Ministry of Defense. The original contract was signed by Telespazio and the Turkish Defense Ministry in 2009, and the programme now officially enters the design and construction phase. Satellite launch is planned for 2013.
Telespazio, a Finmeccanica/Thales company, is the prime contractor for the system, which comprises an Earth observation satellite equipped with a high-resolution optical sensor, a satellite integration and test center to be built in Turkey, and the complete ground segment, in charge of mission control, in-orbit operation, data acquisition and processing. Local industrial partners include Tai A.S., Aselsan A.S., Tubitak Uekae, Roketsan A.S. and TR Tecnoloji.
Telespazio will also create a joint venture with a local partner to develop and market application services.
Carlo Gualdaroni, CEO of Telespazio, said: "The Gokturk System represents another step forward for Telespazio and for the Space Alliance between Finmeccanica and Thales in the international expansion of their business. It also clearly recognizes Telespazio's ability to supply both the space and ground segments of complex satellite systems."
Thales Alenia Space will build the satellite and develop an integration and test center in Turkey. Telespazio, in addition to the ground segment, is responsible for services during the satellite launch, early orbit and test phase. Turkish industry will be involved in the system design and development, as well as supplying some Gokturk system components. In particular, local partners will assist in the construction of the data acquisition station, the satellite integration center, mission planning systems and remote sensing data processors.
Reynald Seznec, President and CEO of Thales Alenia Space said: "Our selection to build the Gokturk satellite is a significant achievement for our company, and reflects the strategy we have developed with Telespazio, through the Space Alliance, to offer end-to-end solutions for the space market, ranging from complete systems to services. This success also expands our position in Turkey, a long-standing customer in telecommunications. This is our first export contract for a high-resolution optical observation satellite, further showing our unique array of expertise and reputation as a preferred partner in defense observation missions."
Derived from the Proteus platform developed by Thales Alenia Space, the Gokturk satellite will include a high-resolution optical instrument, similar to that used in the Pleiades program.
Source : Thales Group (Paris: HO.PA)
