ISTANBUL - Turkey's first astronaut, Alper Gezeravci, received a warm welcome upon his return home from a three-week mission to the International Space Station. Greeted by children with bouquets at Ankara's Esenboga Airport, Gezeravci was hailed as a symbol of Turkey's advancements in technology and aerospace.
During his mission, Gezeravci proudly carried Turkish flags with him into space, which he distributed upon his arrival back in Turkey. His voyage, organized by Houston-based Axiom Space in collaboration with NASA and SpaceX, has been closely followed by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. He has hailed it as a testament to Turkey's growing strength and assertiveness, particularly in light of the country's centenary celebration last year.
A former Turkish fighter pilot, Gezeravci's journey to space was not only a personal achievement but also a source of national pride for Turkey. The approximately $55 million investment made by Turkey towards this space expedition highlights the nation's commitment to technological advancement, especially in fields like aerospace and military development, including the production of aerial drones.
Speaking at Esenboga Airport in front of a backdrop declaring 'Turkey's First Manned Space Mission,' Industry and Technology Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacir emphasized that this mission was just the beginning. He stated, 'A new page has been opened in space science and technologies for Turkey,' outlining the country's plans for future space exploration.
Turkey established its own space agency in 2018, showing its determination to make significant contributions to space science and exploration. As part of this vision, the country has set ambitious goals, aiming to land on the moon by 2026.
Gezeravci was not alone on this historic journey. He was joined by Italian air force Col. Walter Villadei and Sweden's Marcus Wandt, a former fighter pilot. Assisting them was retired NASA astronaut Michael Lopez-Alegria, who currently works for Axiom Space.
During their time aboard the International Space Station, the crew conducted various scientific experiments and engaged in conversations with schoolchildren and officials from their respective countries. Additionally, they had the opportunity to spend some extra days at the space station, waiting for suitable weather conditions for their safe return.
Turkey's successful participation in this space mission has fostered a sense of national pride and jubilation. It highlights the country's commitment to technological advancement and its aspirations to achieve even greater milestones in space exploration. With its sights set on the moon, Turkey aims to place itself among the leading nations in space science and technology.
