Plan-S Tracks Endangered Sea Turtles with Domestically Produced Satellite Tracker

These innovative devices, designed and produced entirely with domestic capabilities by the Plan-S engineering team, have begun their mission after being attached to the sea turtles.

Space Technology in Nature Conservation Efforts

As part of its collaboration with Pamukkale University’s Sea Turtle Research, Rescue, and Rehabilitation Center (DEKAMER), Plan-S has deployed its own satellite tracking device on a young sea turtle named “Cosmos” at Dalyan İztuzu Beach to monitor the migration routes and habitats of sea turtles. Until now, these IoT devices, which were only imported from abroad and cost approximately $5,000 each, can be procured at a much lower cost thanks to Plan-S’s domestic production. This step will contribute to the nation’s technological independence and strengthen the sustainability of nature conservation efforts.

Integrated with a 17-Satellite Infrastructure

This domestic IoT device developed by Plan-S works integrated with the 17 Connecta IoT Network satellites currently in orbit. The device collects the turtle’s location and movement data directly via satellites, and this data is analysed by scientists to provide critical information for species conservation.

More Species Can Be Tracked

Plan-S tested the first prototype of its IoT tracking device with DEKAMER in early July. Following this process, development work on the device continued in collaboration with the Ecological Research Association (EKAD), which operates along a approximately 60-kilometer coastline from the Lara beaches of Antalya to the beaches of the Manavgat district. The prototype was transformed into a final product through improvements made with DEKAMER and was successfully attached to a young sea turtle named “Cosmos” on August 9th at Dalyan İztuzu Beach in a public event attended by local officials. After the event, Cosmos was released back into the sea to begin its journey.

In addition to these efforts for marine life conservation, Plan-S also plans to implement similar projects for tracking and protecting terrestrial animals. Dr. Umut Yıldız CSO at Plan-S, stated, “We see it as our duty to use our space technologies not only in commercial services but also in projects that will contribute to the protection of our planet.”

A Bridge Between Technology and Nature

Dr. Yıldız continued his remarks as follows: “This time, we are using our satellites in orbit to understand the life cycle of sea turtles and increase their chances of survival. This project is one of our most meaningful initiatives that brings together high technology and conservation awareness. In the upcoming period, we plan to implement similar tracking projects for species living not only in the seas but also on land. We hope that these studies will make significant contributions to the preservation of biodiversity and its transfer to future generations.”