In a significant milestone for Türkiye’s burgeoning space sector, Plan-S has launched four Connecta IoT satellites aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket as part of the Transporter 11 mission. These satellites, designed for commercial IoT connectivity, represent a significant leap from testing to full-scale operations for the company.
Founded in Ankara in July 2021, Plan-S is rapidly becoming a key player in Türkiye’s satellite and space technology industry. The launch of these four satellites marks the initial phase of deploying the Connecta IoT Network constellation, which aims to revolutionise global IoT connectivity. The satellites were launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base, and the Plan-S team received the first telemetry signals within minutes of deployment, initiating the commissioning process.
Sami Aslanhan, Chairman of Plan-S, said: “The five test satellites we’ve launched were crucial for developing our satellite subsystems and building our flight heritage. Since our first satellite launch in 2022, we’ve gained invaluable experience. Now, with these four Connecta IoT satellites in orbit, we’re ready to offer our commercial services. The company plans to scale its constellation rapidly, with over 200 satellites expected to be deployed in the near future. We’ve secured most of our launch contracts for 2025, 2026, and 2027, and following these four satellites, we plan to launch four more in October, followed by additional launches of eight and then 16 satellites.”
CEO Tugay Güzel highlighted the global impact of the Connecta IoT satellites, which are set to provide low-power, cost-effective, and high-capacity connectivity for IoT devices worldwide. “Our goal is to address the data needs in areas where terrestrial networks are unserved, underserved, or too expensive, thereby creating a more efficient IoT ecosystem.”
In addition to the Connecta IoT project, Güzel announced that Plan-S is advancing its Earth Observation efforts. “We’re continuing to develop satellites that will facilitate not only IoT communication but also Earth Observation services. In 2025, we plan to launch an Earth Observation satellite as part of our Observa team, significantly enhancing our capabilities in this area.”
The Connecta IoT Network is poised to address critical connectivity challenges across various sectors by enabling seamless communication between IoT devices and satellites. This network will ensure continuous monitoring and data transmission for millions of devices, impacting industries such as energy, agriculture, logistics, finance and transportation. Güzel described this development as a transformative step that will drive significant advancements on a global scale.
The successful launch and receipt of telemetry mark the beginning of a new era in commercial satellite IoT services for Plan-S, positioning the company as a leader in the field.
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