Mitsubishi Electric Corporation announced today it has successfully launched the TURKSAT-4A satellite under a turnkey contract awarded by Turksat Satellite Communication, Cable TV and Operation Inc. Co. (Turksat A.S.) in March 2011. TURKSAT-4A was launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 06:09 on February 15 (Japan time) and the satellite separated from the launch vehicle at 15:22.
TURKSAT-4A Satellite
TURKSAT-4A will use its own power for positioning in geostationary orbit about 36,000 kilometers above the equator. Mitsubishi Electric will continue conducting in-orbit testing until the middle of March before its final handover to Turksat A.S.
In addition to TURKSAT-4A, Mitsubishi Electric will further its contribution to Turkey’s communications and broadcasting infrastructure with the additional launch of TURKSAT-4B this year, as well as other satellite programs planned in the future.
TURKSAT-4A at a Glance
| Satellite platform | DS2000 |
| Orbital maneuver life | At least 30 years |
| Transponders | Ku-band and Ka-band |
| Mass | Approximately 4.8 tons (at launch) |
| Mission | Communications and broadcasting services in Turkey, Europe, Middle East, Central Asia and Africa |
| Delivery | Delivery in orbit |
