Özdemir Gümüşay, chief executive officer (CEO) of the satellite and space technologies company Plan-S, stated that after cube satellites, they have now started production on a larger scale and that they aim to offer fast and cost-effective solutions to companies with standardized satellite platforms. Gümüşay told the AA correspondent that they started working in 2021 to become one of Turkey’s important representatives in the global space sector.
Stating that they are developing projects with the main focus on satellite-based internet of things (IoT) communication, Gümüşay explained that they offer their customers the Near Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite IoT communication service provided by Connecta, a 100 percent subsidiary of Plan-S. Gümüşay pointed out that, as Plan-S, they are now continuing with larger satellites and said, “In this direction, we built our first earth observation satellite weighing 70-80 kilograms.
Our aim here is to increase the platform dimensions up to 300 kilograms and offer new satellite platform solutions in many applications for the defense industry, earth observation and civilian purposes. We are currently seeing a great demand in the world. Especially the recent regional wars were effective in this. To meet this demand, we continue with satellite platform and platform subsystem solutions. Our goal is to send this satellite by the end of 2026.
Planning continues for next year. On the IoT side, we have sent 21 satellites so far, and our goal is to increase the number to over 100 by 2035.” he said. Effective solutions with rapid adaptation Emphasizing that a solid space ecosystem has developed in Turkey, Gümüşay stated that large defense industry companies are now starting to enter this sector. Gümüşay pointed out that they offer satellite platform solutions that are more cost-effective and suitable for mass production in the sector and said: “The satellites made in Turkey are larger and mission-specific satellites.
It takes time to adapt to another task. Normally, it takes a minimum of 4-5 years for space projects to be adapted to other projects. Our aim is to provide adaptation solutions to new missions with generic, that is, standardized satellite platforms, from idea to orbit in less than 1 year. As Plan-S, we want to offer a fast and cost-effective solution to the satellite programs needed by the defense industry, especially in the country, with these standardized satellite platforms.” Up to 50 percent reduction in operational costs Stating that they provide service via IoT communication with Plan-S’s current satellites, Gümüşay noted that they come into play at points where many devices on the ground are outside the GSM coverage area.
Gümüşay stated that Türk Telekom has included the service provided by Connecta in its product portfolio with the agreement they signed in this context, and gave the following information: “Imagine a scenario where you replace the mobile phone with an IoT device. We read the data of IoT devices, especially in rural areas where GSM coverage is not wide. Currently, we have worked intensively especially with electricity distribution companies regarding index reading.
In addition, we significantly reduce the operational costs of energy distribution companies. Reading electricity meters, especially in rural areas, is a huge cost and poses some risks. For example, in the activities carried out in the Aegean Region, especially in the summer months, there are many problems such as delays due to the intensity of tourism, injuries to personnel trying to read meters in agricultural activities, bee stings and dog bites.
We offer a solution that eliminates these. We provide support especially in the detection and prevention of losses and illegalities in the Southeastern Anatolia Region. Therefore, we reduce operational costs by up to 50 percent by eliminating field visits, fuel consumption and many other requirements.” Two signatures will be made at the SAHA event. Emphasizing that they will take part in SAHA EXPO, which will be held between 5-9 May this year, as Plan-S, Gümüşay stated that their aim is to seize the opportunity to develop collaborations.
Gümüşay pointed out that they will also undertake a project within the scope of the “Pre-Competition Cooperation Program” of the Ministry of Industry and Technology and said, “The communication satellite project we applied for, which is based on a new technology, has been accepted and we will sign its contract at SAHA. Apart from that, we aim to sign a contract with a large defense industry company in terms of satellite platform.” he said.
Pointing out that Plan-S is not just a satellite platform but a family of satellite platforms, Gümüşay explained that they offer a wide range of local and national solutions in space, from satellite to platform, from orbit determination to control systems. Gümüşay stated that they are always ready to support companies in this regard and said, “Especially in universities, we can make cube satellites that carry them to space in their space-related business ideas or technology development programs and projects.
We are very competitive in terms of cost effectiveness and speed in this regard both at home and abroad.” he said. Source: AA
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