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Turkic states plan to launch their jointly developed 12U OTS-SAT CubeSat from Kazakhstan’s Baikonur Cosmodrome in the second half of 2027, according to information compiled by Turkish state-run Anadolu Agency.
The approximately 16-kilogram satellite, being developed in Astana, is designed to strengthen joint technology development and space cooperation among Organization of Turkic States, or OTS, members, particularly Türkiye, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
The project aims to conduct Earth observation, test new technologies in orbit and build experience for future joint space missions.
Space and technology cooperation was also among the issues discussed during the 13th OTS Summit in Ankara, hosted by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
The CubeSat is being developed by Kazakhstan-based company Ghalam together with OTS member countries and is based on a 12U XL nanosatellite platform.
It includes an optical system for capturing Earth images, as well as data processing, attitude and control, communications, power and propulsion systems.
The satellite is expected to operate in a sun-synchronous orbit about 550 kilometers above Earth for approximately two years. Its ground station will also be based in Astana.
Major tests are planned to be completed this year before the targeted launch from Baikonur in the second half of 2027.
Türkiye, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan also led the signing of a framework agreement during the 77th International Astronautical Congress in Antalya in October to expand cooperation in satellite development, space technologies, scientific research and industry.
The countries aim to build on experience from the CubeSat project in areas including satellite data sharing, water management, agriculture, environmental protection, climate monitoring and disaster risk tracking.
Technical discussions have also covered satellite component integration, propulsion, frequency coordination, authorization procedures and the sharing of launch costs among participating countries.
Uzbek Space Agency Director Shukrat Kadirov said the countries were working on a broader framework covering satellite data sharing, capacity building, technology exchange and industrial cooperation.
Türkiye Space Agency President Yusuf Kirac said during the Antalya congress that the Turkic states had broader ambitions for future space cooperation.
“Our dream for the future, in line with new space initiatives, is to develop a joint space station module belonging to the Turkic states,” Kirac said.
Türkiye, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan aim to use the experience gained from the joint satellite project as a foundation for larger space initiatives.
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