In the Media: Turkey’s 6th ‘Low Earth Orbit Satellite Ground Observation Station’ Established in Adana
The Unfulfilled Potential of SatNOGS at Mersin Teknopark in 2019
In 2019, an innovative proposal was made to the director of Mersin Teknopark in Turkey to establish a ground station for the SatNOGS (Satellite Networked Open Ground Station) network. This global network, focused on observing and receiving signals from Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, including CubeSats and the ISS, operates on open-source principles. The vision for Mersin Teknopark was not only to enhance scientific research but also to elevate the park’s global profile and inspire young enthusiasts.
The technical aspect of the project was feasible, with ground stations being set up using Linux systems and Raspberry Pi 3+. However, despite its affordability and the educational and scientific benefits, the project faced regulatory challenges. In many jurisdictions, including the U.S., strict rules govern radio communications, complicating the implementation of such projects.
The SatNOGS project at Mersin Teknopark serves as a lesson in the potential and challenges of integrating global, open-source scientific networks into local ecosystems. It highlights the need for supportive regulatory frameworks to foster scientific advancement and international collaboration in space research and observation.
