> > I’d like to move toward systems that manage satellites. After sending a satellite to space, it needs small adjustments during its lifetime. What are you doing in that area?
Absolutely. Space is our largest field, and we have developed many technologies and gained heritage. One of the most critical aspects is having space heritage. When a satellite company wants to use a propulsion system, the first question is: “Do you have flight heritage?”
Delta V has proven itself in space through tests and customer satellites. So we can now say we have space-proven propulsion systems.
In 2022, Türkiye’s space roadmap included developing a
national propulsion system for a lunar mission. Delta V developed this system. What you see here is its qualification model. It underwent extensive environmental testing and is now nearing integration with the main spacecraft.
This system will perform acceleration in Earth orbit and deceleration in lunar orbit. It is also a transfer vehicle. Launch vehicles can take you to low Earth orbit, but to reach higher orbits, you need transfer propulsion systems.
We also developed a monopropellant system using hydrogen peroxide. It includes catalyst chemistry, material compatibility, and full system integration—all developed by Delta V.
This system is already operating in space and can sustain a 200–300 kg satellite for 5 years, performing orbit correction, collision avoidance, and other maneuvers.
We delivered it to customers and are developing larger versions.
This thruster produces 1 Newton of thrust. That means about 100 grams of force, which is enough to control a 100 kg satellite in space.
We also develop bipropellant systems. As satellites grow larger, they require more powerful propulsion systems. We are developing engines from 1 Newton up to 400 Newtons, using propellants like nitrous oxide and propane. We have already conducted over 500 successful test firings.
In the future, we will scale further. These engines will be used in upper stages of rockets to achieve higher speeds and higher delta-V. We can make them with storable or cryogenic propellants depending on needs.
These are all critical areas, and Delta V will continue to produce solutions in propulsion technologies.
The meeting, organized as part of the Moon Research Program Project carried out under the coordination of TÜBİTAK UZAY, was hosted by Düzce University.
The event brought together academics, researchers, representatives of public institutions, and private-sector stakeholders. Discussions focused on Türkiye’s Moon Mission, the Ali Kuşçu Scientific Objectives, scientific payloads, and ongoing studies related to lunar research.
During the opening session, Prof. Dr. Nedim Sözbir, Rector of Düzce University, Mehmet Nefes, Director of TÜBİTAK UZAY, and Alper Gezeravcı, Türkiye’s first astronaut, emphasized the scientific and technological achievements of the Moon Mission and the importance of future deep-space exploration efforts.
As we continue our scientific journey toward the Moon, we remain committed to strengthening our national capabilities, enhancing scientific collaborations, and contributing to our country’s space ambitions.
