Fergani Space Announces Successfully Deploying Fifth Satellite into Orbit

RunWithRugs · 2026-04-02T05:21:11+00:00

Fergani Space's fifth test satellite, FGN-100-D3, successfully entered orbit after its launch from California via SpaceX. Weighing 113 kg, it features advanced communication and navigation systems, marking a significant technological leap for Türkiye’s space capabilities.

RunWithRugs

2026-04-02 05:21:11

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(MENAFN) Turkish aerospace company Fergani Space announced on Monday that its fifth test satellite, FGN-100-D3, has successfully entered orbit after being launched from the United States via a SpaceX mission.

As stated in company reports, the 113-kilogram satellite lifted off at 2:02 pm Türkiye time (1102 GMT) from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-16 mission. The spacecraft separated from the launch vehicle 66 minutes later, at 3:08 pm local time in Türkiye (1208 GMT), achieving its intended orbit at an altitude ranging from 500 to 520 kilometers (310 to 323 miles).

The launch was closely monitored by Fergani Space engineers at the Space Observation and Control Center located in Istanbul’s Ozdemir Bayraktar National Technology Center. Equipped with both communications and navigation functions, FGN-100-D3 has now begun its operational activities in orbit.

Selcuk Bayraktar, Baykar’s chairman and chief technology officer, highlighted the milestone on the Turkish social platform NSosyal, saying: “FGN-100-D3 – Fergani’s fifth test satellite, distinguished by its communications and navigation capabilities – has successfully taken its place in space!” He added that the company’s “beyond the horizon” work continues.

Fergani Space noted that this satellite represents a significant technological advance over its previous models. It incorporates crucial systems developed entirely in-house, including a reaction wheel, magnetic torque rod, magnetometer, inertial measurement unit, and GNSS receiver. The satellite also features an AI-supported onboard computer for advanced mission operations. In-orbit validation of these domestically designed systems and avionics is considered a key step toward Türkiye’s full autonomy in space technology.

Since early 2025, Fergani has steadily increased its orbital presence. The company launched its first satellite, FGN-100-D1, in January 2025, followed by FGN-100-D2 in November 2025, which, at 104 kilograms, was described as Türkiye’s largest private-sector satellite at the time.

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