Turkey will request two more orbits, will be among the first 10 in satellite league

Turkey has bought the rights to several space orbits in accordance with a state-funded space project that was initiated by late President Turgut Ozal, according to Ozkan Dalbay director of International Satellite and Cable Operator of Turkey(TURKSAT). The purchased rights allow states to run satellites in the orbits. Turkey's 4B satellite will be launched in February 2014, according to Ozkan Dalbay. "The aim is to be one of world's largest satellite communication operators by 2017," Dalbay added. Turkey is now the 16th satellite communication operator in the world and is set to launch new satellites in 2017 and 2019. Dalbay said, "We have two more orbital rights requests. We are planning to buy two more orbital rights. The satellites that will be launched in 2017 and 2019 will be completely produced in Turkey and will be put into these orbits. Our aim is to be among 10 largest satellite communication operators." Turkey's first Earth observation satellite, Gokturk-2, was launched Dec. 18 in China. Gokturk-2 contains a South Korean imaging system capable of 2.5m resolution aboard a Turkish-built satellite bus. The satellite, a joint development by TUBITAK and Turkish Aerospace Industries, Inc, will mainly be used for environmental protection, mineral resource exploration, urban planning and disaster monitoring and management.