Turkey has officially launched the development of Astralink, a domestic low-Earth orbit satellite internet system. The project aims to provide stable connectivity across the country and within allied nations, reducing dependence on foreign infrastructure.
The full satellite constellation is planned to consist of 198 spacecraft. Aselsan, a Turkish defense company, is leading the initiative. According to CEO Ahmet Akyol, the project implementation phase began in late 2025, with the first satellite launch scheduled within the next two years.
A core focus of Astralink is technological sovereignty. Turkey intends to develop all critical components internally, including specialized microchips, radio interfaces, software algorithms, and user antenna terminals. This approach ensures that the entire ecosystem remains within the national industrial framework.
While the government is currently engaged in negotiations with SpaceX regarding potential commercial access to Starlink, no formal agreement has been reached. The development of a national alternative raises questions about the future regulatory status of foreign satellite providers within the Turkish market.
