1st Turkish-made observation satellite set to launch early Friday

ANKARA

The first Turkish-made, high-resolution earth observation satellite, called the IMECE, is set to be launched into orbit on Friday.

The pioneering satellite will be launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base in the US state of California early Friday at 0648GMT, postponed from an earlier date due to weather, according to the Turkish Industry and Technology Ministry.

With the inauguration of IMECE, Türkiye will, for the first time, will have an electro-optical satellite camera with sub-meter resolution.

IMECE will operate in orbit simultaneously with the sun at an altitude of 680 kilometers (422.5 miles) and serve in the areas of defense, disaster management, environment and urbanization, and agriculture and forestry.

During its mission life of five years, the satellite will be able to obtain images from all around the world.