ROKETSAN is continuing to develop platforms capable of carrying Türkiye’s satellites into space through its ŞİMŞEK 1 and ŞİMŞEK 2 Satellite Launch System projects. Murat İkinci said the projects were progressing according to schedule and that the work was being carried out in coordination with the Presidency of Defence Industries.
İkinci said ROKETSAN has largely completed testing its space solutions with sounding rockets and various platforms since 2016. “With successful launches of ŞİMŞEK 1 first and then ŞİMŞEK 2, God willing, we at ROKETSAN will provide Türkiye’s independent access to space,” he said.
The development of platforms to carry satellites and other payloads is at the center of ROKETSAN’s space activities. The company’s center of excellence for space, satellite and launch activities has been operating since 2020.
ŞİMŞEK 1 and 2 payload capacity
The primary objective of ŞİMŞEK 1 is to develop the technology needed to carry a 400-kilogram payload to an orbit approximately 500 kilometers high. ŞİMŞEK 2 is being designed as a platform capable of placing larger, 1.5-ton payloads into orbits of up to 700 kilometers.
İkinci said the contract for the ŞİMŞEK 2 project was signed last year and that both platforms were progressing according to schedule. ŞİMŞEK 2 is intended to be commercialized in particular and used through international partnerships.
Work on reusable rockets
ROKETSAN is also working on reusable rocket stages to reduce the cost per kilogram of payloads transported into space. However, the ŞİMŞEK 1 and ŞİMŞEK 2 platforms to be launched in the initial phase will not include reusable stages.
The company plans to use the subsystems whose capabilities will be demonstrated under the ŞİMŞEK 1 and ŞİMŞEK 2 programs in reusable stages at later phases. These efforts are intended to bring the cost of access to space to a more competitive level internationally.
Engineering team and partnership network
İkinci said ROKETSAN has one of Türkiye’s largest engineering teams working in the space sector, as well as extensive laboratory infrastructure. The company is developing the subsystems that will carry satellites into orbit together with its partners.
The 77th International Astronautical Congress, to be held in Antalya in early October, is important for developing human resources and expanding international cooperation. ROKETSAN is working with universities, TÜBİTAK UZAY, the Ministry of Industry and Technology, and its partners in the defense industry.
The company has approximately 2,500 business partners. While a significant portion of these partners operate in missile production, ROKETSAN is working to enhance their capabilities so they can develop qualified products for use in space projects.
Work on the lunar program
İkinci said ROKETSAN is one of the main players in work related to Türkiye’s lunar objective under the National Space Program. As part of the program, the company is responsible for developing the platforms that will carry Türkiye’s payloads into space.
İkinci said the lunar program is being carried out through joint work involving many companies and public institutions alongside ROKETSAN, adding that the aim is to expand national and international cooperation in launch activities.
Investment in the space ecosystem
Rather than carrying out all space activities alone, ROKETSAN aims to build a broad supply and cooperation ecosystem. The company plans to make greater use of universities’ and industrial organizations’ subtechnology development and research activities.
İkinci said ROKETSAN is investing in personnel development, testing infrastructure, materials infrastructure and production capacity. The company aims to strengthen Türkiye’s capabilities in the space sector through these investments.
