Turkey joined the space race as it launched its first-ever observation satellite from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California last Saturday, April 15.

Turkey’s Eyes and Ears

Dubbed the IMECE (“İMECE”), the homegrown Turkish tech is a sub-meter, high-resolution earth observation satellite domestically developed and designed by TÜBİTAK Space Technologies Research Institute, or TÜBİTAK UZAY.

After several delays due to poor weather conditions, the launch occurred at 09:48 GMT+3, conducted by American space technology firm Space X and aboard its Falcon 9 rocket.

Its cutting-edge features all domestically developed components, including its flight computer, communication systems, and electro-optical camera, capable of taking high-definition imagery everywhere on Earth while circling the globe at an altitude of 680 kilometers (422.5 miles).