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Turkish space and technology company Plan-S has successfully launched four new satellites into orbit aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket as part of the Transporter-14 mission, bringing its total number of active satellites to 17 and commercial satellites in its IoT network constellation to 12.
Founded in 2021 in Ankara, Plan-S has quickly emerged as one of the world’s rising satellite technology firms.
Its satellite-based IoT communication network, Connecta IoT Network, addresses connectivity needs in regions lacking terrestrial infrastructure by providing low-power, cost-effective, and reliable services.
With the addition of Connecta IoT 9, 10, 11, and 12 satellites, Plan-S has significantly expanded the performance of its system.
The company says the latest technological advancements will increase data collection frequency by 40% compared to previous generations and enable gigabit-level data access across the 12-satellite constellation.
The newly launched satellites were optimized in both hardware and software based on previous mission experience, according to Plan-S General Manager Ozdemir Gumusay.
"Each new launch brings us one step closer to achieving seamless global connectivity,” he said, adding that the Connecta IoT Network is “the first next-gen satellite IoT network to be operationally tested and validated in the field."
Plan-S emphasized its strides toward technological independence and cost reduction by using in-house developed components.
All IoT antennas onboard the latest four satellites were designed and manufactured by Plan-S engineers.
The satellites also employ a proprietary Attitude Determination and Control System (ADCS), eliminating reliance on external subsystems.
"We've significantly increased the domestic content of these satellites. Nearly all critical subsystems were developed and manufactured locally," said Gumusay.
"This is a major milestone for our long-term sustainability and strategic autonomy."
The company’s long-term vision includes deploying hundreds of satellites by 2030 to support a truly global IoT communication network.
Current applications of the Connecta IoT Network span across sectors, including energy, agriculture, infrastructure, and logistics, enabling data transmission from millions of connected devices worldwide.
Plan-S currently operates 17 active satellites and four ground stations in Ankara, Erzurum, and Sweden, enabling near real-time data collection from IoT devices globally.
Gokmen Cengiz, Deputy General Manager of Technology and Engineering, noted that the company is not only offering domestic solutions but also building a competitive global infrastructure.
"With these new satellites, we’ve made our system more scalable and sustainable," he said.
"We're contributing to Türkiye's presence in space while shaping the connected future of the planet," he added.
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