The 12U TDT-SAT Cube Satellite, developed jointly by the member countries of the Organization of Turkic States (TDT), especially Turkey, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, is planned to be launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan in the second half of 2027.
The 12U TDT-SAT Cube Satellite Project, carried out under the umbrella of the Organization of Turkish States, aims to bring together the know-how of member countries in the field of space technologies on a common platform.
TDT member countries, especially Türkiye, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, contribute to the satellite developed by the Ghalam company located in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan. Within the scope of the project, it is aimed to bring together the technical competencies of the countries, gain joint satellite development experience and pave the way for more comprehensive space missions in the future.
The satellite, which weighs approximately 16 kilograms, is built on the 12U XL nanosatellite platform. The project is expected to be launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan in the second half of 2027.
12U TDT-SAT is designed to operate in Sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of approximately 550 kilometers above the Earth. The satellite is planned to operate for approximately two years.
In addition to the optical imaging system, the satellite will have data processing, orientation and control, communication, power and propulsion systems. Images will be taken from the Earth's surface through the optical system and ground observation data will be obtained, especially for the geography of the Organization of Turkish States.
The satellite's communication infrastructure will support high-speed data transfer as well as command and control communication. Communication with the satellite will be provided through the ground station to be established in Astana and the obtained data will be transferred to ground systems.
It is important that the project is not limited to imaging activities only, but also tests new technologies in orbit. Thus, the joint satellite will contribute to gaining technical experience that can be used in subsequent space projects.
Technical studies on the satellite were discussed at the 12U TDT-SAT Cube Satellite Project Technical Meeting of TDT Member States held in Astana on September 8, 2026.
At the meeting, the development of the propulsion system, the integration of satellite components and the technical stages that need to be completed until launch were evaluated. In addition, issues of frequency coordination, authorization processes and sharing of launch costs among participating countries were also brought to the agenda.
According to the project schedule, important tests are expected to be completed in 2026 and the satellite will be launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in the second half of 2027.
Space cooperation between the countries of the Organization of Turkic States is not limited to the TDT-SAT project. Within the scope of the 77th International Space Congress held in Antalya in October 2026, a framework agreement to develop cooperation in the field of space industry was signed under the leadership of Türkiye, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
Agreement; It includes strengthening partnerships in satellite development, space technologies, scientific research and industry. Sharing satellite data, water resources management, agriculture, environmental protection, climate monitoring and monitoring disaster risks are also among the areas of cooperation.
Uzbekistan Space Agency Director Shukrat Kadirov stated that the joint satellite project is an important example for Turkish states to develop space technologies together. Kadyrov announced that they were working on a broader framework in the areas of satellite data sharing, capacity development, technology exchange and industrial cooperation.
Turkish Space Agency (TUA) President Yusuf Kıraç also brought up more comprehensive goals regarding the future of space cooperation between Turkish states.
In his evaluation at the International Space Congress held in Antalya, Kıraç stated that the development of a common space station module belonging to the Turkish states is among the long-term goals.
In this context, the 12U TDT-SAT Cube Satellite stands out as one of the first steps that will enable countries to gain experience in the fields of joint engineering, satellite integration, communications and orbital operations. With the completion of the project, Turkish states will gain significant technical experience in developing joint space missions.
