First Turkish Astronaut Alper Gezeravcı Embarks on Space Journey
Turkey is sending its first astronaut, 43-year-old fighter pilot Alper Gezeravcı, into space. Gezeravcı will launch from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in the USA for a 14-day mission to the International Space Station (ISS). This historic event is seen as an important step in Turkey’s journey to achieve its goals in aerospace and aviation.
UTKAN NEWS (Vienna) – Alper Gezeravcı embarks on a historic mission as the first Turkish representative in space. During his 14-day mission, he will conduct a series of experiments developed by institutions such as TÜBİTAK Marmara Research Center and Boğaziçi University. These experiments include the production of heat-resistant alloys, improving the efficiency of propulsion systems for spacecraft, growth and resistance tests of microalgae in zero gravity, and the effects of space conditions on human health.
President Erdoğan announced Gezeravcı’s mission and emphasized that this journey for Turkey is not just a goal, but a means to achieve the objectives of space studies. Gezeravcı, emphasizing the symbolic significance of his mission, stated that he is ready to “carry the dreams of the Turkish people into the depths of space.”
This historic mission will make a significant contribution to Turkey’s space research and technological developments and will strengthen national pride. It is also seen as a step that initiates a new era of scientific innovation and international collaboration. Significant steps for the “Lunar Research Program-1 (AYAP-1)” were also taken as part of the National Space Program presented by the Turkish Space Agency in December 2022.