Turksat 3A, new satellite, in orbit
Turkey’s new generation communication satellite, the Turksat 3A, was launched shortly before 1 a.m. from the Kourou base in French Guiana on Friday.
Turkey’s fifth satellite, Turksat will enable satellite and cable television operator Turksat to offer telecommunication services as well as direct TV broadcasting services over a broader area than that covered by its existing satellites, covering Turkey, Europe, Middle East, North Africa and Central Asia.
The launch was delayed due to software problems in May. Built by Franco-Italian consortium Thales Alenia Space, the satellite cost Turkey $200 million. It was put into orbit by Ariane-5, a European expendable launch system designed to deliver payloads into geostationary transfer orbit or low Earth orbit. Ariane-5 rocket also carried a British military satellite into orbit. As part of strategic communication plan, Turkey plans to send Turksat 4A to space in 2011 and launch a Turksat 5A in 2014. With the help of new transponders, Turksat 3A will act as a bridge between Europe and Asia. Turksat 3A’s Turkey coverage has been specially designed to provide very efficient gain for broadband applications, such as VSAT services, giving customers low-cost up-link systems.
After it was launched, Turkish Transportation Minister Binali Yıldırım told reporters that the satellite would contribute to information and communication technology. Yıldırım said more than 25 engineers from Turkey took part in the project.
source: Today’s Zaman