GÖKTÜRK-2: Two years of operation

The first high resolution research and development (R&D) earth observation satellite of Turkey, named as GÖKTÜRK-2 (GKT-2), was successfully launched on 18 December 2012 from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, China on a LM-2D launcher to its Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Reaching its operational LEO, the satellite underwent in orbit tests lasting for about 6 months. Both space and ground segments passed acceptance and commissioning tests successfully before the satellite was fully ceded to Turkish Air Force (TurAF) satellite operations team. After commissioning, regular operations such as telemetry, tracking, and command (TT&C), mission planning, data acquisition and image processing have started. This paper will include GKT-2 mission overview, technical specifications and nominal operations loop concept which describes on orbit servicing (OOS), mission planning, image acquisition modes, storage planning and restriction, TT&C, trend analyses and conjunction assessment.