Scale of the competition and SIGMA concept
In the 11th TÜRKSAT Model Satellite Competition, organized by TÜRKSAT AŞ and TEKNOFEST, 15 finalist teams that passed all qualification stages will launch their model satellites between 15–18 September at the Hisar Firing Range in Aksaray. This year 302 teams from 9 countries applied, and only 15 passed the technical inspections in August to reach the final.
The main theme this year is the SIGMA – Stabilized Landing Guided Mechanical Actuator concept. The goal is to design architectures where all subsystems operate with zero fault and high mission reliability. University students experience a full space mission lifecycle – from requirements and design to manufacturing and flight tests.
Technical missions: attitude control, Z.I.R.H and IoT
Teams are expected to deliver solutions in:
- coaxial rotor, single rotor or mechanically triggered landing systems
- innovative algorithms for attitude control, stabilization and propulsion systems
- staged separation mechanisms and autonomous mission management based on pressure, time and flight state
One of the most notable tasks is TÜRKSAT Z.I.R.H (Resistant Communication Against Harmful Interference). Model satellites must withstand electronic warfare environments, including jamming and hostile signals, using both physical protection and encrypted software to maintain the link.
In the "Satellite-to-Device Command (S2D-IOT Telecommand)" mission, an encrypted command is sent from the ground to the model satellite. The satellite must relay this to an IoT station 500 meters away, which then coordinates a network of independent smart devices.
The "Position Holding" task requires model satellites to hover at about 200 m altitude for 10 seconds, maintaining stability despite wind and vibrations.
Final schedule
The final at Hisar Firing Range follows a classic space project structure:
- 15 September –
Flight Readiness Review (FRR)– pre-flight and technical checks - 16–17 September – flight phases and real-time telemetry tests
- 18 September –
Post Flight Review (PFR)and announcement of the winning teams
In this way, students compress the complexity of a large communications satellite into 20–25 cm class model satellites, gaining strong hands-on experience in both embedded systems and space engineering.
Source: AA Bilim-Teknoloji
