The YAKUD project is a space operations command control centre that will
provide situational awareness in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Satellites are
increasing every day, according to information on ASELSAN's website. Because LEO
is used to receive data from the earth, dozens of countries regularly launch
new satellites into these orbits. The significance of detecting satellites
passing over Turkey and raising public awareness about the situation is growing
daily. ASELSAN aims to define awareness of this traffic in space as near space
situational awareness using real or near-real-time information.
Furthermore, previously launched satellites become "space
junk" after their missions are completed. They create a problem that must
be addressed. Detecting this space debris will be possible once near-space
situational awareness is realised.
YAKUD will concentrate on near-space situational awareness and provide
data to national space missions to detect and evaluate LEO orbiting satellites
and space junk. Data from various data sources, observatories, telescopes, and
other sensors will be combined within the project's scope, and an aerial space
picture will be created.
Under the direction of the Turkish Space Agency, ASELSAN will also
contribute to the National Space Program.