SatNOGS 3420-ITouch-FI: Pioneering a New Era of Satellite Tracking in Adana, Turkey
Introduction The world of satellite technology is rapidly evolving, and Turkey is striving to keep pace. The SatNOGS 3420-ITouch-FI project, situated in Çukurova Technopark in Adana, represents a significant step forward. This initiative aims to establish a ground station to observe low Earth orbit satellites and gather critical data. Project Team Led by Volkan Dagli with academic advisor Assoc.Prof.Dr. Ahmet Refah Torun, the project team also includes key members Erdal Melih Guventurk and Aslihan Sayaslan. Their combined expertise and dedication are driving forces behind this ambitious project.

https://network.satnogs.org/stations/3420/

Objective and Significance Turkey’s presence in the global network of open satellite ground stations has been limited. The SatNOGS 3420-ITouch-FI project aspires to change this narrative by becoming the 6th Turkish station in the NASA-supported SatNOGS network. Its strategic location in Cukurova Tecknokent, Adana is set to make a substantial impact on regional and national satellite tracking capabilities.

Technical Aspects The project will leverage cutting-edge equipment and software to monitor and track satellites. This section of the article will delve into the specifics of the technology being used, including antennas, receivers, and tracking software.

Expected Outcomes and Impact The establishment of this ground station is anticipated to significantly enhance Turkey’s capabilities in space technology, particularly in the area of satellite observation. It will not only put Cukurova Teknokent, Adana on the map for space technology but also contribute to Turkey’s overall progress in this field.

Conclusion The SatNOGS 3420-ITouch-FI project is more than just a technological endeavor; it’s a leap towards placing Turkey at the forefront of global satellite tracking and space research. This initiative is poised to open up new opportunities for technological advancement and academic research in the region.

The ground station at Cukurova Teknokent, developed in collaboration with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ahmet R. Torun and ATU’s Aerospace Engineering undergraduates Aslihan Sayaslan and E. Melih Guventurk, features a Raspberry Pi 3B+ with an NESDR SMArt v5 SDR dongle, connected to a Diamond X300 antenna, and enhanced by a 3GHz FM Notch Filter with LNA. Visit us at www.itouch.fi