Telespazio and Turkish MoD Sign Contract to build Gokturk Satellite System

Telespazio, a company owned by Finmeccanica (67%) and Thales (33%), and the Undersecretariat For Defence Industries (SSM – Turkish Defence Ministry) signed a contract on July 16, 2009 in Ankara worth over EUR 250 million for the construction of the Gokturk satellite system. The agreement covers the supply of an earth observation satellite equipped with a high-resolution optical sensor, an integration and test centre for satellites to be built in Turkey, and the entire ground segment of the system, which will carry out in-orbit operation, data acquisition and processing. The Gokturk programme will be managed by Telespazio as prime contractor, Thales Alenia Space, which will be responsible for the satellite, and local industrial partners including Tai A.S., Tubitak Uekae, Maleri, Aselsan A.S. and Roketsan A.S.. Telespazio will also be responsible for the satellite launch, early orbit and test services.