“Space Qualified Battery Production Cooperation Framework Protocol” Signed Between TAI and ASPİLSAN Enerji
The "Space Qualified Battery Production Cooperation Framework Protocol" was signed between Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) and ASPİLSAN Enerji, which includes cooperation in battery development and production for space systems. The project aims to transfer technology between the two institutions, conduct joint R&D studies, and determine various cooperation areas covering production processes.
TAI Space Systems Deputy General Manager Prof. Dr. Lokman Kuzu stated regarding the cooperation protocol: “There are only a few countries in the world that have a say in the space field. As Turkish Aerospace Industries, we have proven our country’s capabilities by launching our satellites, which are produced with domestic and national resources, into Earth orbit. We continue to work among the countries that shape the future of space from today. With our country’s first and only fully-scoped Space Systems Integration Center, we continue to realize important cooperations to strengthen Türkiye’s place in the space field. In this context, we know that every step taken for the systems we produce and test with the “Space Qualified Battery Production Cooperation Protocol” we have signed with ASPİLSAN is important.”
Nationalism in Space Step by Step
Kuzu said that under the instruction of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the leadership of the Presidency of Defence Industries, nationality has been brought to the forefront in the field of space, as in every field, and foreign dependency has been reduced. “Step by step, we continue to develop national projects in the field of defence and space. The battery is one of our most important issues. We will understand the value of the steps we have taken in battery production much better in the future. With the production of high-capacity and long-lasting batteries, we will have a great advantage in the field of space. I find this cooperation within the scope of domestic and national battery production valuable and I would like to thank all stakeholders in this context.”
Prof. Dr. Ahmet Turan Özdemir, General Manager of ASPİLSAN Enerji, underlined that the cooperation is a milestone that will strengthen Türkiye's position in the field of space technologies. Özdemir said that As ASPİLSAN Enerji, we have established Türkiye's first lithium-ion battery production facility and started mass production in June 2022. We are a pioneer in the sector with our work in areas requiring advanced technology such as aviation and submarine batteries. Now, we are proud to sign an important cooperation protocol with TAI within the scope of our country's space mission. Within the scope of this protocol, we will accelerate our efforts to develop high-capacity and long-lasting batteries for use in space systems and to produce prototypes.
Contribution to the Space Targets of Türkiye
Within the framework of its national space programme, Türkiye has set important targets in the field of space technologies. This cooperation protocol is of great importance in terms of developing indigenous technologies that will contribute to Türkiye's space missions and increasing competencies in this field. I firmly believe that this important cooperation between TAI and ASPİLSAN Enerji will eliminate our country's foreign dependence on space batteries, contribute to the export of high-tech products, and bring us one step closer to the place we deserve in the field of defence and space.
Innovations and Future Projects Brought by the Protocol
Within the scope of the protocol, TAI and ASPİLSAN Enerji will work on the development of battery technologies specially designed for space systems. In this context, the batteries are expected to have features such as high durability, energy density and reliability. By combining their existing know-how through technology transfer and joint R&D activities, the two companies will realise the domestic production of advanced batteries to be used in space systems.
The batteries to be developed through this cooperation will be produced for use in Türkiye's future space missions and will reduce foreign dependence in this field. In addition, the technological gains that will emerge during the cooperation process can be used not only in space but also in other critical sectors such as aviation and defence industry.
