A Symbol of Technological Advancement
Alper Gezeravci, Turkey’s first astronaut, returned from his three-week mission to the International Space Station to a warm reception at Ankara’s Esenboga Airport. Greeted by children bearing bouquets, he symbolically handed out Turkish flags he had taken into space.
President Erdogan’s Praise
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hailed Gezeravci’s mission as a “new symbol of a growing, stronger, and assertive Turkey,” emphasizing the country’s progress in technology and aerospace. Erdogan closely followed the astronaut’s journey and lauded it as a source of national pride.
A Milestone in Turkey’s Space Endeavors
Industry and Technology Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacir, speaking at the airport, highlighted the significance of the mission, stating that it opened a new chapter in space science and technology for Turkey. The country aims to land on the moon by 2026 after establishing its own space agency in 2018.
Return and Accomplishments
The crew, including Italian and Swedish astronauts, returned in a SpaceX capsule, parachuting into the Atlantic off the Florida coast. During their mission, they conducted experiments, interacted with schoolchildren, and enjoyed additional time at the space station.
This milestone marks Turkey’s advancement in aerospace technology and is a testament to its commitment to space exploration. Gezeravci’s journey has not only made history but has also set the stage for future endeavors in space science and technology for the country.