ASELSAN's LUNA-1 IoT Satellite Achieves Operational Orbit via SpaceX Launch

ASELSAN has advanced its strategy for a global Internet of Things (IoT) communication framework by successfully deploying its inaugural space-based IoT satellite, LUNA-1, into operational status. The satellite launched on November 28, 2025, from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, USA, as part of SpaceX's Transporter-15 rideshare mission utilizing a Falcon 9 rocket for orbital insertion.

Approximately one hour after liftoff, the LUNA-1 satellite separated from its carrier vehicle and established itself in its designated Polar Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO) at an altitude of 510 kilometers. Initial telemetry data was successfully captured and decoded by the ground station in Ankara shortly thereafter, confirming optimal functionality across all onboard systems. The entire LUNA-1 project, covering design, engineering, manufacturing, and testing of payloads, ground control software, and the flight computer, was managed internally by ASELSAN's engineering teams.

The Transporter-15 mission was a significant undertaking, carrying 140 distinct payloads, including CubeSats and microsats, with the German firm Exolaunch managing the integration and deployment for 59 of those spacecraft. The Falcon 9 rocket's first stage booster, B1071, marking its 30th flight, successfully landed on the droneship "Of Course I Still Love You" in the Pacific Ocean following the launch from Space Launch Complex 4E (SLC-4E) at 10:44 a.m. PST.

This milestone is considered pivotal for Turkey's national vision for an integrated IoT satellite network. Professor Dr. Haluk Görgün, Presidential Defense Industries Head, stated the launch represents transcending a "new threshold" in the nation's space endeavors, emphasizing the development of independent space-based communication capabilities for national security infrastructure. ASELSAN General Manager Ahmet Akyol reiterated the company's commitment to expanding its Low Earth Orbit (LEO) solutions initiatives.

The LUNA-1 satellite is designed to provide low-latency data transmissions from distributed sensors across broad geographical areas, a capability particularly relevant for remote terrestrial and maritime zones lacking conventional communication infrastructure. This successful deployment aligns with Turkey's long-term space objectives, which include a stated 10-year plan featuring a goal for a Moon landing, positioning LUNA-1's operation as a direct contribution to achieving resource independence through advanced space technology.