Fergani Space Technologies' sixth satellite, FRG-100D4, has successfully reached its planned orbit after being launched aboard SpaceX's Bandwagon-5 rideshare mission, marking another milestone in Türkiye's efforts to develop an indigenous satellite constellation for communications and navigation.

According to Baykar, the 160-kilogram experimental satellite was launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on 20 October. Approximately 63 minutes after liftoff, FRG-100D4 separated from the launch vehicle and was successfully deployed into its target orbit at an altitude of 590 kilometres, where it began mission operations.

New-generation technologies on board

FRG-100D4 incorporates a range of domestically developed technologies that represent a significant advance over Fergani's previous satellites.

The spacecraft is equipped with critical systems designed by Fergani engineers, including a reaction wheel, magnetic torque rods, magnetometer, inertial measurement unit (IMU), Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver, steerable solar panels, a battery pack, a regenerative modem and a phased-array antenna.

It also carries an artificial intelligence-supported onboard computer, which will be evaluated for use in future space missions. The flight will provide valuable in-orbit validation of Türkiye's domestically developed avionics and satellite subsystems.

With the highest power-generation capacity of any Fergani satellite to date, FRG-100D4 also carries upgraded navigation and broadband communications payloads that are expected to support the localisation of key satellite components and technologies.

Part of the Ulugh Bey satellite constellation

The successful deployment of FRG-100D4 marks the latest phase of Fergani's Ulugh Bey Satellite Constellation, an ambitious programme that aims to establish an independent communications and navigation network consisting of more than 200 satellites over the next five years.

The company plans to finance the constellation entirely through its own resources. Once completed, the network is expected to provide Türkiye with sovereign navigation and communications capabilities while also offering services to friendly and partner countries.

Alongside the satellite constellation programme, Fergani is continuing work on developing an indigenous satellite launch vehicle to support future space missions.

Expanding Türkiye's space capabilities

Fergani's space programme began in January 2025 with the launch of its first satellite, FGN-100-D1. It was followed by FGN-100-D2 in November 2025, while the FGN-TUG-S01 Orbital Transfer Vehicle, featuring a hybrid propulsion system, was launched later that month and successfully deployed the FRG-10D1 CubeSat after completing an orbital transfer manoeuvre.

The company's fifth spacecraft, FGN-100-D3, entered orbit in March 2026.

With FRG-100D4 now operational in orbit, Fergani has taken another step toward expanding Türkiye's domestic space capabilities and advancing its long-term goal of building a nationally developed satellite ecosystem.(ILKHA)