GÖKTÜRK Observation Satellite

Roketsan is Turkey’s primary missile and rocket propulsion company, best known for tactical weapons systems but also active in space propulsion. The company participates in Turkey’s national space programs including the GÖKTÜRK Earth observation satellite series — Turkey’s first domestically developed reconnaissance satellites.

GÖKTÜRK-1 and GÖKTÜRK-2 are high-resolution optical Earth observation satellites for the Turkish Ministry of National Defence. GÖKTÜRK-2 (launched 2012 on a Chinese Long March rocket) was developed primarily domestically with Roketsan and Turkish defense firms providing key subsystems. GÖKTÜRK-1 (launched 2016 via Vega) provides approximately 0.5 m resolution imagery.

Roketsan’s space activities include the development of hybrid rocket engines and solid rocket motors for satellite launch vehicles, as well as contribution to Turkey’s indigenous launch vehicle program (Türkiye’nin Uzay Programı). The company is developing the TR-1 turbopump-fed liquid propellant engine and solid rocket boosters for Turkey’s planned micro launch vehicle.