Turkey to launch small satellites in 2020

ANKARA

Turkey will launch two small satellites to space next year, according to a Turkish defense technology company.

STM Defense Technology and Engineering Company aims to develop small satellites, Elif Dirgin, the group manager of the satellite systems, said at the International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF).

Dirgin said the company has already initiated two satellite projects to build a microsatellite named Lagari and a nanosatellite.

"Both satellites are under development process and will be launched to space next year," said Dirgin, highlighting that Lagari is the country's first high-resolution microsatellite.

Lagari will be used for observing forests, cultivated areas, natural disasters and general mapping, she added.

She said the company focuses on the constellation concept as an innovative area.

*Writing by Gozde Bayar