Turkey recently celebrated the return of its first astronaut, Alper Gezeravci, from a historic three-week mission to the International Space Station (ISS), marking a significant milestone in the country’s aerospace achievements. Upon his arrival at Ankara’s Esenboga Airport, Gezeravci, a symbol of Turkey’s technological progress, was warmly welcomed by children offering bouquets and shared Turkish flags he took to space with him.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan praised Gezeravci’s journey as emblematic of a progressive, assertive Turkey, especially following the nation’s centennial celebrations.
“You will have very important tasks from now on,” said Erdogan, expressing gratitude for his successful mission completion.
Gezeravci, a 44-year-old ex-Turkish Air Force pilot, trained in Florida before embarking on his $55 million mission with Axiom Space, NASA and SpaceX — the third of its kind.
This mission not only boosts national pride but also highlights Turkey’s advancements in technology, including aerospace and military sectors. Industry and Technology Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacir emphasized that this mission paves the way for Turkey’s future in space exploration, with plans to reach the moon by 2026 already underway.
Gezeravci’s crew included Italian and Swedish astronauts and was led by a retired NASA astronaut, symbolizing international cooperation in space exploration. Their return in a SpaceX capsule was eagerly awaited, concluding a mission that involved scientific research and educational outreach, underscoring Turkey’s ambitious vision for its space program.
Featured image: Axiom-3 mission specialist Alper Gezeravci, of Turkey, reacts as he arrives at the Kennedy Space Centre, January 18, 2024. — Credit: Chris O’Meara/AP Photo
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