A protocol paving the way for joint R&D and production in satellite technologies between Türkiye and China was signed during the 77th International Astronautical Congress in Antalya.
At the congress, organized under the coordination of the Ministry of Industry and Technology and hosted by the Turkish Space Agency and SAHA Istanbul, Turkish companies are showcasing their products and signing agreements for international partnerships.
Protocol signed between TÜRKSAT and China Satcom
TÜRKSAT and China-based satellite operator China Satcom signed a comprehensive protocol on technology production. TÜRKSAT Deputy General Manager for Satellite Services Selman Demirel and China Satcom CEO Ma Haiquan signed the protocol at a ceremony held at the TÜRKSAT stand.
The agreement aims to bring together the engineering expertise of the two institutions, conduct R&D and product development activities, and commercialize the resulting products.
UAV communications and IoT solutions to be developed
As part of the cooperation, TÜRKSAT and China Satcom plan to produce UAV communication systems, satellite-based Internet of Things technologies and smart border security solutions.
The joint work will cover the process from analyzing market needs and developing initial prototypes to testing, validation and commercialization. Turkish and Chinese engineers are expected to work together throughout this process.
TÜRKSAT aims to expand its solutions portfolio by bringing its existing capabilities in developing end-to-end satellite and communications solutions to new technology and application areas.
Systems for areas without terrestrial communications
Smart border security and Internet of Things technologies are among the agreement's main areas of work. The partners aim to design specialized devices for regions without terrestrial communications networks.
The cooperation will also cover the development of equipment that will enable devices used in the energy, agriculture and logistics sectors to be managed via satellite in areas without mobile networks.
TÜRKSAT and China Satcom will work on smart satellite tracking and IoT systems capable of transmitting data in real time in areas beyond the reach of base stations or fiber networks.
Joint steering committee to be established
The partnership between the two institutions began last year with the joint use of capacity and was expanded through decisions taken at World Space Business Week in Paris. Under the new protocol, the cooperation is planned to move directly into the hardware and software development phase.
A Joint Steering Committee, with equal representation from the two institutions, will be established to conduct R&D and product development activities. The work will be evaluated in three-month periods.
