The roles of satellites in national defense and space economy were discussed at “INSECSPACE’26”

Industry representatives operating in the field of satellite and space studies explained the roles of the technologies they developed in national defense within the scope of the “INSECSPACE’26” event. INSECSPACE’26, of which Anadolu Agency (AA) is the Global Communication Partner, was held in cooperation with the Turkish Space Agency (TUA), TÜRKSAT, TÜBİTAK UZAY, Telecommunications Satellite and Broadcasting Businessmen’s Association (TUYAD) and MONIN.

Within the scope of the event, whose theme this year was “Safe Use of Innovative Technologies in Satellite Systems”, a panel titled “Innovative and Developing Satellite Technologies and Their Role in National Defense” was held. In his speech at the panel, TÜBİTAK SPACE Institute Director Mehmet Nefes stated that TÜBİTAK UZAY is Turkey’s organic satellite manufacturer and that it is at the heart of the Turkish space ecosystem by producing and executing its own satellite and space programs.

Emphasizing that the US/Israel-Iran war is the “most important lesson” of the space wars ever seen, Nefes said: “Dependence on foreign companies for data is a national security and defense problem. Having only a single main ground station or a single network is a big risk.” System backup is very important, we have all witnessed this during this war. A widespread network under national control is a necessity for survival.

“This ongoing battle for TÜBİTAK UZAY proves that independent space assets and a strong infrastructure are not only physical but also human capital.” “The power needs to be controlled” Nefes stated that they are proud to develop the national mission control software (T-starGO) and that this software serves as the “national backbone” for satellite systems. Underlining that, in addition to TÜRKSAT, the Turkish Armed Forces also use TÜBİTAK UZAY’s T-starGO platform to control communication and imaging satellites, Nefes said: “We are currently developing our platform to adapt it to the Lunar Mission.

This is a very unique feature, we are one of the rare institutions in the world that can operate both LEO, GEO and Moon missions and spacecraft. While adapting the T-starGO platform to conduct lunar operations, we are also integrating artificial intelligence into the system. Because artificial intelligence provides excellent optimization for the very efficient operation of satellites. Especially for LEO satellites, speed is everything.

Artificial intelligence really helps improve images or increase some capabilities depending on the payload of the satellite. In the lunar mission, our capacity is very limited and we have to act very quickly. The codes are in our hands, the security is in our hands and the updates are in our control. As we always say, power needs to be controlled. “As Türkiye, we have this ability.” Emphasis on increasing national defense capacity and sustainability TÜRKSAT Satellite Spectrum and Operations Director Veli Yanıkgönül stated that new satellite systems provide new capacities and that TÜRKSAT is working to increase national defense capacity in this context.

Pointing out that satellite systems require high budgets, Yanıkgönül noted that TÜRKSAT also attaches importance to sustainability while developing its products. Onur Tarakçıoğlu, Deputy General Manager of Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) Space Systems, emphasized that they have developed high-resolution electro-optical satellite systems and that they have put into use systems such as Göktürk, developed together with partners.

Pointing out that independent and national products were implemented to strengthen national defense, Tarakçıoğlu stated that opening up to international markets is also important in terms of shouldering the financial burden and sustainability. CTech Product and ILS Director Önder Tatar said that there have been great changes in space studies in recent years and that near-orbit satellite technology is a critical stage in space.

Gurvinder Chohan, Senior Manager (CEO) of RSAT Space, also stated that their company produces products in the fields of defense and national security and that artificial intelligence technology is used in the development processes of the products. Space economy and pollution in space were also discussed. Speaking at the panel titled “Space Economy and Situation Awareness”, Turkish Space Agency (TUA) Vice President Fatih Dulkan touched upon the aims of the national space program.

Noting that they are also carrying out studies to increase space awareness, Dulkan said that space studies began to be carried out by governments in the 20th century and by the private sector in the 21st century. Dulkan stated that the global space economy has grown rapidly in recent years and reminded that the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) will be held in Turkey this year and important names in the field from all over the world will be hosted.

Spacelis Senior Manager (CEO) Güler Koçak said that they have developed durable and lightweight technologies for the use of the sun in space. Ad Astra Technology Group (AATG) Senior Manager (CEO) Uğur Coşkun drew attention to the increase in pollution in space and gave information about the studies carried out to reduce its effects. TÜBİTAK Space Scientific Researcher Mustafa Helvacı touched upon the changes that the space industry may experience in economic and security dimensions and stated that the future level of the economy in 2050 is expected to be 3.7 trillion dollars in ordinary growth, 8.9 trillion dollars in basic growth and 20.6 trillion dollars in aggressive growth.

Source: AA