Turkey’s first domestically developed orbital transfer vehicle has begun operations in space, marking a milestone for the country’s emerging space program, authorities have confirmed.
The FGN‑TUG‑S01 was launched Friday aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Developed by Turkish company Fergani Space, the vehicle carries what the firm calls the world’s first hybrid engine to be ignited in orbit.
The propulsion system is designed to safely and cheaply move satellites into different orbits, extending their mission life. Fergani CEO Selcuk Bayraktar said in a post on X that the craft has transmitted its first telemetry signals, confirming in‑orbit operation.
Officials view the mission as a key step toward building a future Turkish satellite constellation and an independent navigation and positioning system.