ASELSAN Sets Out 198-Satellite ASTRALINK Communications Plan

ASELSAN outlined plans for a 198-satellite ASTRALINK low-Earth-orbit communications constellation at the International Astronautical Congress in Antalya, with the first launch targeted within two years. Also called GÖKBAĞI in Türkiye, the programme combines satellite links and a military 5G/6G communications architecture for secure, high-capacity connectivity beyond terrestrial line of sight. ASELSAN plans domestically developed waveforms and subsystems, electronically steered ground antennas and manufacturing capacity scalable to four satellites per month. The October 2026 disclosures describe planned constellation size, initial launch timing and production targets rather than a completed network or an announced schedule for all 198 spacecraft.