Under the collaboration of the Ministry of Industry and Technology, the T3 Foundation, the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBİTAK), and the Turkish Space Agency (TUA), Türkiye’s first astronaut, Alper Gezeravcı, met with students at Hasan Kalyoncu University (HKU) to share his space travel experiences. At the event, which attracted significant attention, Gezeravcı provided important information about Türkiye’s space endeavors, future projects, and his own space journey.
Held at the HKU Congress and Culture Center, the event was attended by HKU Rector Prof. Dr. Türkay Dereli, HKU Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Mehmet Lütfi Yola and Prof. Dr. Gül Rengin Küçükerdoğan, faculty members, and students.
“WE WILL CONTINUE TO INVEST MORE IN SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND RESEARCH TO FURTHER STRENGTHEN TÜRKİYE’S PLACE IN SPACE”
Speaking at the opening of the program, HKU Rector Prof. Dr. Türkay Dereli noted that Alper Gezeravcı’s sharing of Türkiye’s vision in the field of space with students was a great source of motivation: “We are the children of a nation that has historically had great dreams in aviation and space. From visionaries like Vecihi Hürkuş and Nuri Demirağ, to engineers such as Selçuk Bayraktar, and from projects like KAAN, ANKA, and Bayraktar KIZILELMA soaring in our skies, this journey is a testament to our faith in the future. As Türkiye’s first astronaut to travel to space, Mr. Alper Gezeravcı has said, ‘This is only the beginning,’ paving the way for future generations. Now we know that space is no longer just a dream for Turkish youth but an achievable goal through scientific endeavors. As a university, we are taking significant steps to contribute to our country’s goals in aviation and space. Our Faculty of Aviation and Space Sciences admitted its first students in September 2022, embarking on its mission to train the aviation, space, and defense industry engineers of the future. Through projects we carry out with TUSAŞ, TEI, and defense industry organizations, our students gain hands-on experience in real R&D processes. We will continue to invest more in science, technology, and research to strengthen Türkiye’s presence in space.”
STUDENTS SHOW GREAT INTEREST
During the event, Alper Gezeravcı, who was met with keen interest by the students, delivered a presentation on the Türkiye National Space Program and the country’s first manned space mission.
In his presentation, Gezeravcı described how far the country’s space research has come under the national technology initiative:
“The Republic of Türkiye’s journey into space was planned to inspire young generations and equip them with self-confidence. The students here today are the true owners of this process. This is only the beginning; we have even greater goals ahead. Do not be afraid to dream, be courageous, and never give up! In fact, we are not strangers to space as a nation. In our history, there have been many notable figures who left their mark on space history—like Al-Farghani (Fergani), Ali Kuşçu, and al-Jazari. However, over time, we drifted away from this awareness. From the establishment of TÜBİTAK Space in 1984 up until today, Türkiye has gained experience through various satellite projects during these 41 years.”
SPACE TRAVEL AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
Gezeravcı also provided information about the scientific experiments he conducted during his space mission. As Türkiye’s first astronaut, he performed a range of scientific experiments aboard the International Space Station, noting that these experiments yielded important data in fields such as biology, physics, and materials science in a space environment. He emphasized that the 13 scientific experiments he conducted over 14 days aboard the Space Station contributed to Türkiye’s space research efforts.
Responding to students’ questions, Gezeravcı discussed Türkiye’s first domestically produced communication satellite TÜRKSAT, the Moon Research Program (AYAP-1), the Space Access and Spaceport Project, the Turkish astronaut selection process, as well as the various training programs that cover low-pressure training, centrifuge training, ISS training, SpaceX training, launch and landing training, module and experiment equipment, survival training, JAXA training, and ESA training.
VISIT TO OUR FACULTY
Following the program, Gezeravcı met with students and emphasized that they need to work very hard to succeed, underscoring the importance of this for Türkiye’s Space Mission. He also visited our faculty, where we had the opportunity to discuss our faculty and its work in detail. We extend our gratitude to him for taking the time to visit amid his busy schedule.
