Gezeravcı Achieves Milestone: First Turkish Astronaut Soars into Space with Axiom Mission

 

Türkiye marked a historic moment on Thursday as its first astronaut, Alper Gezeravcı, along with three other crew members, embarked on a journey to the International Space Station (ISS). The SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule, attached to a Falcon 9 rocket, lifted off from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, starting a planned 36-hour flight to the orbiting laboratory.

Gezeravcı, a former fighter pilot and captain for Turkish Airlines, expressed his excitement during a check-in from orbit, stating, "The future is in the skies." Representing Türkiye, he emphasized the significance of the mission, which opens a new chapter in the nation's view of the sky, beyond what could be seen with the naked eye.

Türkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who presented Gezeravcı to the public last year, described the mission as a step into the second century of the republic. In a video message, Erdoğan highlighted the mission's role in inspiring the younger generation, stating, "For the first time, we are sending a citizen into space to inspire our young people who look to the horizon with a sparkle in their eyes."

The Axiom-3 mission, part of Türkiye's National Space Program announced in 2021, includes astronauts from Sweden and Italy, all with military pilot backgrounds. The crew will spend two weeks on the ISS, conducting experiments and engaging with schoolchildren before returning home.

Marcus Wandt from Sweden, Walter Villadei from Italy, and Michael Lopez-Alegria, a retired NASA astronaut now working with Axiom Space, shared their enthusiasm about the journey. Wandt described the acceleration and speed as "fantastic, pure joy," while Villadei expressed the privilege of flying over Earth, eagerly anticipating entry into the ISS.

The Crew Dragon, an autonomously operated spacecraft, is expected to dock with the ISS on Saturday, joining the seven regular crew members currently aboard. The launch, initially scheduled for January 9, was postponed for final inspections and data analysis, ensuring a safe descent using the parachute system.

This mission, the third organized by Axiom Space in collaboration with NASA and SpaceX, reflects the global trend of nations venturing into space for prestige, military advancements, and satellite communications. Türkiye joins this endeavor, with Gezeravcı's journey leaving a positive mark on society, according to Industry and Technology Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacır.

As the crew conducts over 30 scientific experiments during their two-week stay on the ISS, the Axiom-3 mission symbolizes Türkiye's progress in space exploration. The launch represents a step toward Türkiye's broader goals, including participation in future space programs and the development of their launch systems, as emphasized by Yusuf Kıraç, president of the Turkish Space Agency.

In conclusion, Türkiye's historic moment in space marks a significant achievement, opening doors to a new era of space exploration and inspiring the nation's youth to reach for the stars. The Axiom-3 mission contributes to the global efforts in advancing space exploration, showcasing Türkiye's commitment to the future of space travel and scientific research.

Francisco Cerundolo

Oona O'Neill

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Miles Robinson

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