Turkey's first Space Systems Integration System and Test Center (UMET), which has been established as part of the Göktürk-1 Satellite Program within the body of Turkish Aerospace Industries Inc. (TUSAŞ), is scheduled to open this month. The Göktürk-1 Satellite and Turkey's first domestic satellite, Türksat 6A, will be set up and go through advanced integration and environmental tests at the space center, which will be inaugurated by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. According to data compiled by Anadolu Agency, the investment costs of the center have been covered by the Undersecretariat for Defense Industries and TÜRKSAT Inc., and will be operated by TUSAŞ. More than one satellite with a mass of up to 5 tons will simultaneously be set up and undergo integration and testing at the space center, which is built on an area of around 3,800 square meters. Firstly, the Göktürk-1 Satellite will undergo advanced integration and environmental tests at the center, which will provide a service to international space projects as well. Following these tests, the satellite will be sent to a launch area by TUSAŞ. With the launching of this system, which exists in a few counties only worldwide, Turkey will be an international actor in the fields of setting up, integrating and testing space systems. Turkey's first home-grown satellite, Türksat 6A, will be built at the center.
