Due to the 13th Summit of the Organization of Turkic States (TDT) in Ankara, all eyes turned to the joint efforts of member countries such as Türkiye, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in the field of space.
According to the information compiled by the AA correspondent, at the summit hosted by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, political and economic relations as well as collaborations in the fields of digital transformation, technology and space are evaluated.
In this context, efforts to advance partnerships in the space industry with the "12U TDT-SAT Cube Satellite" developed jointly by the Turkish states were also brought to the agenda.
Bringing together the technical know-how of member countries, the project aims to conduct earth observation, test new technologies in orbit and gain experience for the next joint space missions.
Space cooperation expands with the contract signed in Antalya
Within the scope of the 77th International Space Congress (IAC 2026) held in Antalya in October, a framework agreement was signed under the leadership of Türkiye, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to improve the cooperation capacity of member countries in the field of space industry.
The agreement, which aims to strengthen partnerships in the fields of satellite development, space technologies, scientific research and industry, will pave the way for the experience gained in the joint cube satellite project to be transferred to more comprehensive initiatives.
Among the cooperation topics of member countries in the field of space are sharing satellite data, water management, agriculture, environmental protection, climate monitoring and monitoring disaster risks.
Development work of the joint satellite is carried out in Kazakhstan
The cube satellite is being developed by the Ghalam company, located in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, together with TDT member countries.
The satellite, which weighs approximately 16 kilograms, is based on the 12U XL nanosatellite platform.
In addition to the camera, the satellite consists of basic components such as data processing, orientation and control, communication, power and propulsion systems. The optical system on it will enable regional observations by taking images of the Earth. In addition, the system will offer reliable and fast data transmission by using separate channels for communication with the satellite and high-speed data transfer.
The satellite is planned to operate in Sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of approximately 550 kilometers above the Earth and to serve for approximately 2 years.
The satellite's ground station, which will take images of the earth with its optical system, will also be located in Astana. Thus, Kazakhstan will host the ground infrastructure of the project as well as the development works.
The cubesat aims to provide earth observation data, especially for the TDT region, and to create technical experience for future projects.
The technical plan for the project aims to complete important tests this year and launch the satellite in the second half of 2027. The satellite is expected to be sent into space from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.
TDT-SAT, which is a comprehensive space project despite its small size, will make earth observation and allow new technologies to be tested in space. The satellite is seen as an important step supporting joint technology development and cooperation among member countries.
TDT Space Agencies Presidents meeting in Kazakhstan
Technical studies regarding the satellite were discussed at the meeting held in Astana on September 8. Representatives of the space agencies of the member countries evaluated the development of the propulsion system, the integration of satellite components and the stages to be completed until launch.
Frequency coordination, authorization procedures and sharing of launch costs between countries were also discussed at the meeting.
The 6th Meeting of TDT Space Agencies Presidents is planned to be held in Kazakhstan in 2027.
Uzbekistan supports the joint project
Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, hosted the 5th Meeting of TDT Space Agencies and Related Authorities on March 30. Shukrat Kadyrov, Director of the Uzbek Space Agency, stated that his country supports the joint cube satellite initiative and that cooperation in the space industry is important for long-term partnerships.
Stating that the joint cube satellite project of the Turkish states is a practical example of how they can combine their strengths to jointly develop space technologies, Kadirov said, "In addition to the TDT joint cube satellite, we are working with our partners on a broader framework for satellite data sharing, capacity development, technology exchange and industrial cooperation." He used the expression.
An important agenda of Uzbekistan in the field of space will be the 79th International Astronautical Congress to be held in Samarkand in 2028. The protocol regarding the hosting of the congress was signed in Antalya on October 5.
The goal is to develop a common space station module belonging to the Turkish states.
Turkish Space Agency (TUA) President Yusuf Kıraç stated at the congress in Antalya that they have bigger dreams that they want to realize with the Turkish states and said, "Our dream for the future is to develop a common space station module of the Turkish states in line with new space initiatives." made his assessment.
