Old Staff
Boğaç Karabulut
Şevket Uludağ
Eser Gül
Egemen Çatal
Sibel Türkoğlu
İlayda Dikmen
About Us
The ITU Space Systems Design and Test Laboratory (USTTL) began operations in 2005 as the Space Systems Design Laboratory and adopted the name USTTL in 2007 following the acquisition of thermal-vacuum testing capabilities. It was established within the Istanbul Technical University Faculty of Aeronautics and Astronautics. Adopting an interdisciplinary approach by combining academic expertise with state-of-the-art space technologies, ITU-USTTL is a pioneering institution in Turkey in the fields of space technology and pico-, nano-, micro-, and CubeSats. To date, the laboratory has completed the comprehensive design, integration, testing, and software development processes for eight CubeSats of varying payloads, sizes, and hardware configurations; it has also effectively managed the satellites’ launch and orbital insertion, as well as in-orbit operations including communication, attitude control, and mission execution.
The laboratory is led by its founder, Prof. Dr. Alim Rüstem Aslan. It provides students at various levels and young professionals with real-world experience in the space sector while directly connecting them to the space industry through the university.
Our Vision
To multiply the accumulated knowledge gained over the years by sharing it, to establish a global collaboration network, and to contribute to the development of the space community To learn through hands-on experience, develop technology, and pioneer the industry by experimenting with new technologies
Our Mission
Increasing subsystem capacity; improving communication and data transfer speeds; enhancing agility; increasing power generation; extending operational lifespan in low orbits; improving tolerance to the space environment; designing fault-tolerant software architectures; and constructing professional-grade ground stations. Expanding our on-orbit activities. Providing the academic and industrial sectors with qualified engineers and engineering research.
Our Values
To gain a significant voice in the space sector by strengthening ties with international and national partners To facilitate and expand access to space, and to dispel associated misconceptions To encourage and support students eager to learn and contribute