ITU and TİM Develop Domestic Solar Panels for Cube Satellites

Studies for “Multifunctional Solar Panels in Nano, Micro and Cube Satellites R&D Project” implemented within the scope of the collaboration between Istanbul Technical University (ITU) and Turkish Exporters Assembly (TİM) continue at ITU laboratories without cutting speed. ITU Rector Prof. Dr. İsmail Koyuncu and Turkish Exporters Assembly (TİM) Chairman İsmail Gülle examined the studies at ITU Space Systems Design and Test Laboratory (USTTL).

Studies for “Multifunctional Solar Panels in Nano, Micro and Cube Satellites R&D Project” launched by Istanbul Technical University (ITU) and Turkish Exporters Assembly (TİM) in March in order to contribute to Turkey’s “National Space Program” continue at full speed. The current state of the project carried out at ITU Space Systems Design and Test Laboratory under the coordination of İnovaTİM was shared with the public in a press conference held at ITU Rectorate.

The program at ITU Rectorate Building was attended by ITU Rector Prof. Dr. İsmail Koyuncu, TİM Chairman İsmail Gülle, TİM Deputy Chairman Başaran Bayrak, ITU Vice-Rectors Prof. Dr. Bülent İnanç, Prof. Dr. Hacı Ali Mantar, Prof. Dr. Şule Itır Satoğlu and Prof. Dr. Lütfiye Durak Ata, General Secretary Prof. Dr. Ali Deniz, as well as students from İnovaTİM who receive education in various schools involved in the project.

“We are developing domestic and national solar panels”

Speaking at the opening of the program, ITU Rector Prof. Dr. İsmail Koyuncu said, “The project we are carrying out together with TİM started about 3-4 months ago and will continue for one year. We aim to launch another cube satellite with the cooperation of TİM. We are developing domestic and national solar panels in order for satellites to obtain their energy from solar panels. Our project is carried out at ITU Faculty of Aeronautics and Astronautics laboratory.”

“We aim to launch TİMSAT cube satellite in 2023”

TİM Chairman and ITU Electrical Engineering 1983 graduate İsmail Gülle expressed that they have a project partnership with ITU for the production of solar panels for nano, microand cube satellites in order to support the space program. Gülle also gave information about the TİMSAT cube satellite, whose preparation processes started under the coordination of the İnovaTİM team and ITU Space Systems Design and Test Laboratory and said, “We aim to launch our satellite in 2023, the 100th anniversary of our Republic. We focus on drawing attention to advanced technology, added value and innovation and the adoption of these issues by our country’s youth. The space program is a significant move for our country. The creation of by-products that will support this program will bring us to a leading position.”

“Our project is progressing vigorously”

ITU Faculty of Aeronautics and Astronautics faculty member and USTTL Coordinator Prof. Dr. Alim Rüstem Aslan gave information about the latest status and road map of the project that develops multifunctional domestic solar panels for satellites and that will contribute to Turkey’s “National Space Program” goals. Prof. Dr. Aslan said the following about the project’s current state: “We received our funding. Turkish Exporters Assembly provided the entire budget of the project. ITU undertook the infrastructure of the project. In addition to these, we are in continuous collaboration and negotiate with institutions such as TÜBİTAK. Our project is progressing vigorously in line with our schedule.”

ITU Space Systems Design and Test Laboratory (USTTL) was visited

After the meeting held at ITU Rectorate Building, ITU Space Systems Design and Test Laboratory (USTTL) was visited. ITU Rector Prof. Dr. İsmail Koyuncu and TİM Chairman İsmail Gülle also visited the ITU USTTL Clean Room and examined the studies on site. ITU Faculty of Aeronautics and Astronautics Dean Prof. Dr. Zahit Mecitoğlu and ITU Department of Astronautics Faculty Member Prof. Dr. Alim Rüstem Aslan accompanied the visitors.