FGN-TUG-S01, Fergani Space Technologies’ entirely indigenous development marks Türkiye’s first Orbital Transfer Vehicle. The spacecraft was launched on 28 November 2025 from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, USA, and has commenced its mission. This mission also represents a global first as it carries the world’s first hybrid rocket motor to be ignited in orbit.
FGN-TUG-S01, 28 November 2025 – (Fergani Space)
Launch Process and Initial Telemetry Data
The launch of FGN-TUG-S01 took place on 28 November 2025 at 21:44 Turkey Standard Time (TST) aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 Transporter-15 rocket. Following launch, the first and second stages of the rocket separated successfully. After the payload separation sequence began, FGN-TUG-S01 successfully detached from the rocket at the 81st minute, at 23:05 TST, and entered independent flight. The spacecraft successfully transmitted its first telemetry data, initiating its mission.
The launch of FGN-TUG-S01 is being monitored from the Space Observation and Control Center within the Özdemir Bayraktar National Technology Center, 28 November 2025 – (Fergani Space)
Hybrid Motor Technology and First In-Orbit Ignition Plan
FGN-TUG-S01 is an Orbit Transfer Vehicle that embodies two key firsts:
- It is Türkiye’s first Orbit Transfer Vehicle powered by a hybrid rocket motor.
- It carries the world’s first hybrid rocket motor to be ignited in orbit.
After reaching its operational orbit, the spacecraft will perform its planned first hybrid motor ignition in the space environment. This ignition is intended to be recorded as the first in-orbit test of a hybrid rocket motor. The vehicle’s hybrid propulsion system offers a low-cost and safe solution for transferring satellites to different orbits and extending their mission lifetimes.
FGN-TUG-S01, 28 November 2025 – (Fergani Space)
Critical Subsystems and Indigenous Integration
The critical subsystems of FGN-TUG-S01 were developed by Fergani Space through indigenous design and manufacturing. These systems include:
- Flight computer,
- Avionics systems,
- Power distribution units,
- Thermal control infrastructure.
This architecture forms the foundation of Türkiye’s national orbit logistics capacity, which will support future Fergani Space constellation missions at varying altitudes. The spacecraft is designed to transfer satellites from an initial low Earth orbit of approximately 500 km to operational orbits at 1000 km and above.
Operational Scope and Inter-Orbital Logistics Function
FGN-TUG-S01 serves as a pioneering step toward enhancing Türkiye’s inter-orbital logistics capabilities. The spacecraft will support future Fergani Space satellite constellations and provide operational flexibility, particularly for multi-orbit systems. With this mission, Türkiye has taken a significant step toward becoming the first country to conduct a hybrid rocket motor test in orbit.
Post-Launch Statements
Fergani Space CEO Selçuk Bayraktar’s Remarks
The launch was monitored in real time from the Space Observation and Control Center at the Özdemir Bayraktar National Technology Center. Following the successful launch, Selçuk Bayraktar stated: “Fergani Space Technologies, established in 2022, continues its journey today with a team of 135 professionals. We launched our second satellite just three weeks ago. Today, our first Orbit Transfer Vehicle, developed entirely with our own resources, has reached space. We implement all our projects from design through engineering to production using our own indigenous capabilities. Our Orbit Transfer Vehicle, featuring a domestically engineered flight computer, power, and avionics systems, will initiate Türkiye’s maneuverability in space.”
Bayraktar emphasized that this mission will establish a “critical infrastructure” for the future national global positioning system “Uluğbey,” sharing his vision as follows: “This mission will lay the groundwork for our Uluğbey Global Positioning System objective and open the path to future satellite constellations. Within five years, we aim to deploy over 100 satellites to provide independent positioning and space logistics capabilities to Türkiye and its friendly and brotherly nations. In the coming years, we aim to achieve independent access to space through our own launch systems. May this endeavor bring blessings and success to our homeland, our nation, and all friendly and brotherly regions.”
