# Türksat 3A > Turkish geostationary communications satellite **Wikidata**: [Q3391256](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q3391256) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Türksat_3A) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/turksat-3a ## Summary Türksat 3A is a Turkish geostationary communications satellite launched in 2008, part of the Türksat series. It was built by Alcatel Alenia Space and operated by Türksat, providing telecommunications services from its orbital position. ## Key Facts - **Class**: Communications satellite and geostationary satellite - **Operator**: Türksat - **Launch date**: June 12, 2008 (22:05:09 UTC) - **Launch vehicle**: Ariane 5 ECA (flight V183) - **Launch site**: ELA-3, Guiana Space Centre - **Mass**: 3,110 kg (launch weight), 1,272 kg (dry weight) - **Spacecraft bus**: Spacebus-4000B2 - **Power source**: Solar array (2 panels, 8.3 kW capacity) and S400 battery - **Solar array width**: 29.6 meters - **Design life**: 15 years - **Replaced**: Türksat 1C - **Country of origin**: France (manufactured by Alcatel Alenia Space) - **Significant event**: Construction contract signed in February 2006 ## FAQs ### Q: What was the purpose of Türksat 3A? A: Türksat 3A was designed to provide telecommunications services, including television broadcasting, internet access, and other communication services for Turkey and the surrounding region. ### Q: Who built and operated Türksat 3A? A: Türksat 3A was built by Alcatel Alenia Space (France) and operated by Türksat, the Turkish satellite operator. ### Q: How long was Türksat 3A expected to operate? A: The satellite had a design life of 15 years, but its actual operational lifespan may have exceeded this due to its robust construction and performance. ### Q: What was unique about Türksat 3A's power system? A: The satellite was powered by a combination of two solar arrays (totaling 8.3 kW) and an S400 battery, ensuring reliable energy supply for its operations. ### Q: What was the significance of Türksat 3A's launch? A: The launch marked a significant milestone for Turkey's space program, demonstrating the country's capability to develop and operate advanced communications satellites independently. ## Why It Matters Türksat 3A played a crucial role in Turkey's telecommunications infrastructure by providing high-quality communication services, including television broadcasting, internet access, and other data services. As part of the Türksat series, it was designed to enhance connectivity across Turkey and the broader region, supporting economic development, emergency communications, and digital services. The satellite's geostationary orbit allowed for continuous coverage, making it a reliable asset for both civilian and government applications. Its successful deployment and operation contributed to Turkey's growing expertise in satellite technology and reinforced its position as a key player in the global space industry. ## Notable For - **First Turkish-built satellite with advanced communications capabilities**: Türksat 3A was a significant step forward in Turkey's satellite technology, featuring a robust design and high-performance communications payload. - **Long operational lifespan**: The satellite's 15-year design life ensured sustained service, reducing the need for frequent replacements. - **Enhanced regional connectivity**: Türksat 3A improved communication infrastructure in Turkey and neighboring regions, supporting economic activities and emergency services. - **Collaborative development**: Built by Alcatel Alenia Space (France) and operated by Türksat, the satellite demonstrated international cooperation in space technology. - **Technological advancement**: The satellite's solar array and battery system provided reliable power, ensuring continuous operation despite the harsh conditions of space. ## Body ### Overview Türksat 3A is a geostationary communications satellite developed by Alcatel Alenia Space (France) for the Turkish satellite operator Türksat. Launched on June 12, 2008, it was part of the Türksat series, which aims to provide advanced telecommunications services for Turkey and the surrounding region. ### Design and Specifications The satellite was based on the Spacebus-4000B2 platform, weighing 3,110 kg at launch and 1,272 kg at dry weight. It featured a solar array with a width of 29.6 meters, providing power through two panels with a combined capacity of 8.3 kW, supplemented by an S400 battery. The satellite's design life was 15 years, ensuring long-term operational reliability. ### Launch and Deployment Türksat 3A was launched aboard an Ariane 5 ECA rocket (flight V183) from the ELA-3 launch pad at the Guiana Space Centre. The launch occurred on June 12, 2008, at 22:05:09 UTC. The satellite was deployed into a geostationary orbit, where it replaced the older Türksat 1C satellite. ### Mission and Services The primary mission of Türksat 3A was to provide telecommunications services, including television broadcasting, internet access, and other data services. Its geostationary position allowed for continuous coverage, supporting both civilian and government applications. The satellite contributed to Turkey's economic development and emergency communications infrastructure. ### Significance Türksat 3A was a milestone in Turkey's space program, demonstrating the country's capability to develop and operate advanced communications satellites. Its successful deployment and operation reinforced Turkey's position as a key player in the global space industry. The satellite's robust design and long operational lifespan ensured sustained service, making it a critical asset for Turkey's telecommunications needs. ## References 1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/turksat-3a.htm) 2. Jonathan's Space Report 3. [Source](https://sky-brokers.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Arianespace-Launchkit-TurkSat-3A.pdf)