|
ISC Kosmotras announces signing of a launch contract with TÜBİTAK Space Technologies Research Institute (TÜBİTAK UZAY) for injection of RASAT spacecraft - the first Earth observation satellite designed and manufactured in Turkey – by Dnepr LV in 2010. The contract has been concluded based on the results of the Turkish tender for procurement of RASAT launch and insurance services. The launch will be performed from Yasny Launch Base.
All design, manufacture and test phases of RASAT are carried out by Turkish engineers. The project aims to testing the satellite systems designed and developed by TÜBİTAK UZAY in the space and providing these systems with a heritage so that they can be used in other national satellite missions in the future. The satellite images provided by RASAT will also be used in urban and regional planning, forestry, agriculture, disaster monitoring and for other similar purposes.
The primary payload of the cluster, in which RASAT spacecraft is a co-passenger, is Sich-2 satellite owned by National Space Agency of Ukraine (NSAU). Other co-passengers which will be delivered to orbit together with RASAT and Sich-2 are NigeriaSat-2 and NigeriaSat-X, satellites developed by SSTL, EduSat satellite of the University of Rome, other payloads.
A standard Dnepr launch vehicle with a space head module designed for cluster missions (Type 2.1; for more details see ISC Kosmotras website, SHM Configurations) will be used for the launch. This type of SHM configuration enables accommodation of payloads on two-level tiers thus utilizing the capacity of an SHM payload envelope to the maximum extent.
According to information provided by Turkish side TÜBİTAK UZAY, established in 1985, conducts R&D projects in space technologies, electronics, information technologies and related areas. The purpose of the institute is to play a leading role in national research activities and to provide assistance in technical problems relating to the system design, selection and use of the national industry and product development. TÜBİTAK UZAY gives priority to development of capacities in design, manufacture and testing of small satellites, and establishment of international cooperation in space technologies.
TÜBİTAK UZAY makes significant contribution to the improvement of Turkey’s potential in production of advanced technology with the RASAT satellite, continues to carry out technology development activities to support Turkey’s road map in space.
“Selection of Kosmotras launch services by the Turkish party is of great importance for our company. We shall apply our best efforts to make the RASAT mission a success, and hope for enhancement of fruitful relations between Kosmotras and TÜBİTAK UZAY in the future”, said Vladimir A. Andreev, ISC Kosmotras Director General.
27.10.2009 |
