Satellite, Space and Technology Days, powered by TÜRKSAT, gathered international and local firms together to share their knowhow in support for Turkish startups working in the satellite industry. The event includes the first 100 percent domestic national satellite, TÜRKSAT 6A. This satellite is a giant leap forward for Turkey, which will now be one of the only countries capable of producing, testing and launching its own national satellite. The TÜRKSAT 6A satellite, which was previously forecast to be completed by the end of 2019, will now be rushed to completion by the beginning of the year.

The minister of science, industry and technology, Fikri Işık, attended the convention, sharing detailed information about the satellite which will be produced nationally. The event, organized by the Independent Industrialists and Businessmen's Association (MÜSİAD), took place at Istanbul's Haliç Congress Center on Friday and was inaugurated by Transportation, Maritime Affairs and Communications Minister Binali Yıldırım and Işık.

While domestic participation in the production process of the TÜRKSAT 5A and 5B satellites was 25 percent, 100 percent of the TÜRKSAT 6A satellite is anticipated to be covered by national means. It will be launched after the 5A and 5B satellites and will create a national network of satellites worth about $1 billion. The successful completion of the 6A Project, assumed by ASELSAN, TÜBİTAK Uzay, Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) and C-Tech, will mark a cornerstone in Turkish aerospace and satellite technologies.

Işık, who is responsible for the project, was asked by the transportation, maritime affairs and communications minister to complete TÜRKSAT 6A in early 2019, said that the end-of-the-year deadline for 2019 will be complicated due to the general elections, which will be underway at the time. Işık welcomed the request, noting that they will work extra shifts.