Sounding Rocket Systems

Roketsan’s sounding rocket systems provide Turkey with indigenous suborbital launch capability for atmospheric research, microgravity experimentation, and technology demonstration missions. Built on the company’s extensive solid rocket motor expertise developed through decades of missile system production, these vehicles support scientific research institutions and the Turkish Space Agency’s (TUA) broader space technology development program.

Sounding rockets follow a suborbital trajectory, reaching altitudes sufficient for several minutes of microgravity conditions and upper atmosphere sampling before returning to Earth, typically via parachute recovery of the payload section. Roketsan’s programs contribute to Turkey’s development of solid propellant technology, guidance and control systems, and recovery systems — technology building blocks directly applicable to the orbital launch vehicle capability that Turkey aims to develop as part of its National Space Program announced in 2021.

The sounding rocket program represents Roketsan’s strategic entry point into the space launch sector, complementing the company’s established missile and precision-guided munitions business. As Turkey pursues sovereign orbital launch capability, Roketsan’s propulsion technology base and manufacturing infrastructure position the company as a leading candidate to develop and produce Turkey’s future orbital launch vehicles.