Aselsan LOCUS LEOKu

LOCUS LEOKu is a Ku-band bendpipe (transparent) communication payload developed by ASELSAN. The system is designed for integration into satellites operating in low Earth orbit (LEO). With its high data transmission rate, multi-user support, and compact design, LOCUS LEOKu demonstrates Türkiye’s engineering capabilities in space technologies.

LOCUS LEOKu is a member of ASELSAN’s LOCUS family of space solutions (Local Communication Satellite Payloads). Alongside the GEOKu and GEOX systems developed for geostationary and medium Earth orbits, LOCUS LEOKu is optimized for missions in low Earth orbit.

^{LOCUS LEOKu (generated by artificial intelligence)}

In line with its goal to develop indigenous communication payloads for space applications, ASELSAN initiated the LOCUS series in the early 2020s. The LOCUS LEOKu project is a component of this strategy targeting the LEO segment.

The development process was carried out at ASELSAN’s Gölbaşı Space Technologies Center. All design, integration, environmental testing, and validation procedures were completed in-house, with the system’s resilience to vibration, radiation, and thermal variations under LEO conditions rigorously tested.

LEOKu is among the first systems to demonstrate ASELSAN’s independent production capability in space mission payloads. Its compact structure, low power consumption, and high efficiency enable integration into commercial, civil, and defense-oriented small satellite platforms.

LOCUS LEOKu is a multi-user, high-data-rate communication payload operating in the Ku-band frequency range. Thanks to its “bendpipe” or “transparent” architecture, it transmits signals directly without onboard processing, ensuring low latency operation.

Key technical specifications:

• Frequency Band: Ku-band
• Mission Type: Transparent (bendpipe) communication payload
• Bandwidth: 50 MHz (optionally expandable)
• User Support: Simultaneous connection of four terminals
• Data Rate: Minimum 3 Mbps per terminal
• Receive Frequency: 13.75 – 14.50 GHz
• Transmit Frequency: 10.95 – 12.75 GHz
• Polarization: Circular
• Gain Range: 110 – 140 dB (0.5 dB steps)
• EIRP: 18 dBW (@55°)
• G/T: -20 dB/K (@55°)
• Gain Control: Fixed Gain Control (FGC) and Automatic Level Control (ALC)
• Interface: CAN data bus, telemetry and power interface
• Operating Temperature: -20 °C to +50 °C
• Storage Temperature: -40 °C to +85 °C
• Payload Dimensions: 80 × 40 × 23 cm
• Total Mass: 4.8 kg

These values are verified by ASELSAN’s product brochure and demonstrate the system’s suitability for small satellite platforms and constellations.

LOCUS LEOKu was developed for communication satellites operating in low Earth orbit. The system is particularly suited for:

• Data, voice and video transmission
• Broadband internet services
• Low-latency communication in small satellite constellations
• Disaster management and mobile communication infrastructure
• High-altitude platforms (HAPS)

In addition, due to the low latency advantage of LEO orbit, LOCUS LEOKu can be effectively deployed in applications requiring real-time data communication such as surveillance, sensor data transmission, and defense communications.

LOCUS LEOKu is the first system to demonstrate Türkiye’s capability to develop indigenous satellite payloads for the LEO segment. With this system, ASELSAN has not only achieved its goal of domestic production but also acquired expertise in scalable modular payload design for satellite constellations.

The system has strengthened Türkiye’s status as a “payload-developing nation” within its national space strategy. The success of LOCUS LEOKu has laid the foundation for next-generation systems such as LEOKa and LEOX to be developed in the coming years.