Historic launch: SpaceX sends Türkiye's first domestic satellite to orbit

A Falcon 9 rocket carrying the Turksat 6A spacecraft lifted off at 7:30 p.m. ET from Cape Canaveral. The rocket's first stage returned to Earth as planned, landing on SpaceX's "Just Read the Instructions" droneship in the Atlantic Ocean approximately 8.5 minutes after liftoff. This marked the 15th successful launch and landing for this specific booster, according to SpaceX.

Meanwhile, the Falcon 9's upper stage carried Turksat 6A towards its designated geosynchronous transfer orbit, deploying the satellite 35.5 minutes after launch. The satellite will then independently maneuver to its final operational position and undergo a month-long testing phase before officially entering service, according to Türkiye's transport and infrastructure minister, Abdulkadir Uraloğlu.

This launch represents a significant achievement for Türkiye's space ambitions, marking the first time the country has developed and launched its own communications satellite. (ILKHA)