GOKTURK 2

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GOKTURK 2 is classified as:

Earth resources

NORAD ID: 39030

Int'l Code: 2012-073A

Perigee: 652.7 km

Apogee: 655.0 km

Inclination: 97.7 °

Period: 97.7 minutes

Semi major axis: 7024 km

RCS: 1.8164 m² (large)

Launch date: December 18, 2012
Source: Turkey (TURK)
Launch site: Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, China (JSC)

GOKTURK 2 is a satellite built by TUBITAK UZAY and TAI (Turkish Aerospace Inc.) in cooperation, on a five-year mission to collect imagery visible, near-infrared and shortwave infrared global reconnaissance imagery. The satellite is the second remote sensing satellite built by Turkey. Its imaging payload has a top resolution of 2.5 meters, or 8.2 feet, according to Tubitak, the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey. Turkey will use Gokturk 2 data for security, disaster response, environmental, mapping, urban planning, coastal zone monitoring and water resource management, according to Tubitak. The optical payload will take pictures with an image swath width of 20 kilometers, or about 12 miles. The satellite's imagery will meet strict requirements set by the Turkish Armed Forces, according to Turkish Aerospace Industries. Gokturk 2 weighs about 900 pounds (408 kg). The satellite's orbit is 686 km sun-synchronous.