Turksat 1C is located at geostationary orbit at position 31.0° E and is operated by Turkish operator Turksat. The satellite provides television and telecommunications coverage to Turkey, the Middle East, Central Asia and part of Europe. For Ukraine, this is a marginal reception zone where signal quality depends significantly on antenna diameter and local terrain.
History and Launch
The satellite was launched in 1994 by Ariane 4 rocket from Kourou spaceport in French Guiana. Manufacturer - French Alcatel Space, Spacebus 3000 platform. The design lifespan was 12 years, however the Spacebus 3000 platform is known for its reliability and in practice often exceeds the design service life. NORAD ID: 23949.
For the Turkish telecommunications industry, the launch of Turksat 1C marked the emergence of its own orbital infrastructure for independent broadcasting and communications. Despite its considerable age, the satellite is registered in current frequency databases and remains an orbital asset of Turksat.
Coverage Zones and Reception in Ukraine
The main beam is shaped for Turkey and Cyprus - a 60-75 cm antenna is sufficient there. The regional beam covers the Middle East and Central Asia, requiring 90 cm to 1.2 m. Ukraine falls within the European beam zone with noticeably lower EIRP levels.
| Beam | Coverage | Antenna Diameter |
|---|---|---|
| Main (Turkey) | Turkey, Cyprus | 60-75 cm |
| Regional | Middle East, Central Asia | 90 cm - 1.2 m |
| European | Central and Eastern Europe | 1.2 m - 1.8 m |
| Ukraine (Kyiv) | Reception at coverage zone edge | 1.2 m - 1.8 m |
In western Ukraine - in Lviv or Uzhhorod - under favorable conditions, a 1.2 m dish is sufficient. For Kyiv and eastern regions, 1.5-1.8 m is optimal. Based on signal measurements in dense cloud conditions, even 1.5 m provides a noticeable margin. The antenna elevation angle for position 31° E from Ukraine is approximately 25-35 degrees depending on the region.
Transponders and Frequency Range
Turksat 1C has 4 active transponders exclusively in the Ku-band (10.7-12.75 GHz). DVB-S and DVB-S2 standards are supported with various modulation parameters. Signal polarization is horizontal (H) and vertical (V).
For precise tuning, it is advisable to cross-reference parameters with the current sathub database - frequencies and symbol rates of individual transponders may be adjusted by the operator.
Television Packages and FTA Channels
Turksat 1C transponders host primarily Turkish national and regional television channels. The sathub database registers 4 channels at this position. Some content broadcasts in open mode (FTA), meaning without conditional access cards.
Available content includes news, entertainment and regional Turkish channels. Corporate clients use the satellite for fixed satellite communications services within the coverage zone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What antenna is needed to receive Turksat 1C in Ukraine?
For most regions - from 1.2 m. In western Ukraine, 1.2 m may be sufficient, for central and eastern regions, 1.5-1.8 m is more reliable.
Are there open channels on Turksat 1C?
Yes, some channels broadcast without encryption. The current list of FTA channels is available in the sathub transponder database.
How can I combine reception of Turksat 1C with other satellites?
Position 31° E combines well with neighboring positions - 28.2° E and 33° E - on a multi-feed setup or with a motorized mount. In practice, when setting up a multi-feed, the angle between extreme positions is small, so adjustment is not difficult.
How many transponders are active on Turksat 1C?
According to the sathub database, 4 active transponders in the Ku-band are registered.