Turkey successfully launched its first domestically-produced communications satellite, Turksat 6A, into orbit on Tuesday. The satellite was carried by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan hailed the launch as a “new phase” in Turkey’s satellite production capabilities, noting that over 81% of the 6A project’s components were developed using national resources.

Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu confirmed the first signal from Turksat 6A was received 67 minutes after launch. He highlighted that the satellite will expand Turkey’s coverage to 5 billion people, enhance communication and broadcasting services, and reach regions including India, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand.

Uraloglu also emphasized that Turksat 6A, the result of a decade-long effort, makes Turkey one of 11 countries to have produced a satellite domestically.