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Türkiye's first homegrown communications satellite, Turksat 6A, has traveled more than 192 million kilometers (119.3 million miles) in space since its launch on July 9, 2024.
Abdulkadir Uraloglu, Türkiye's transport and infrastructure minister, said the satellite entered commercial service in April 2025 and has operated without interruption since, while work continues on the Turksat 7A project.
Uraloglu said Turksat 6A represents a milestone for Türkiye's space and communications capabilities due to its wide coverage area.
Uraloglu said Turksat 6A was developed through the joint work of hundreds of Turkish engineers, researchers and domestic firms, including the Scientific and Technological Research Institution (TUBITAK) Uzay Space Technologies Institute, Aselsan, CTech and Turksat.
The satellite has completed 437 days, or 10,416 hours, of service in the 42-degree East orbit.
Uraloglu said Turksat 6A covers both western and eastern regions, with its eastern coverage recently expanding to include India, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia.
The expanded coverage has increased the total population reach of Turksat satellites worldwide from 3.5 billion to 5 billion people, he said.
The growing coverage area has led to a rise in the number of foreign-based television channels carried by Turksat satellites.
Uraloglu said the expansion into South Asia through Turksat 6A increased the satellite operator's momentum in the global broadcasting market, with the number of channels broadcast via its satellites rising 20% in one year.
The number of foreign-based channels broadcast rose 50% over five years, reaching 69, he said.
Uraloglu said Turksat 6A entered service with a domestic production rate of more than 80% and continues to operate under harsh space conditions.
He added that Türkiye has become one of 11 countries in the world capable of designing, developing, manufacturing, testing and operating its own communications satellite in orbit, a project with a mission lifespan of at least 15 years.
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