Alper Gezeravci became the first Turkish citizen to go into space. The first citizens of Turkey to travel to the International Space Station (ISS) via the space tourism company Axiom Space have become residents of Ankara, the capital city.
According to media reports, residents of Ankara, including Turkish astronaut Alper Gezeravci, have embarked on an international journey to the ISS alongside other astronauts, who were from Sweden and Italy. These astronauts were transported to the ISS on a charter flight named "Falcon" operated by SpaceX.
The Falcon rocket was launched from NASA's Kennedy Space Center, with all three astronauts having a military pilot background, representing their respective countries. A senior former astronaut from NASA also accompanied them, currently responsible for organizing private flights for the agency.
After reaching the ISS, the astronauts will spend two weeks there before returning to Earth, where they will undergo various experiences before coming back. The cost of this space journey for each astronaut is approximately $55 million, covered by their respective countries.
The arrangement for this space travel has been made in collaboration with Houston-based company Axiom Space, working in conjunction with NASA and SpaceX.
It is noteworthy that, while Russia has been sending civilians to space for decades, NASA initiated this program approximately two years ago.
This program marks a significant milestone for Turkey, as Alper Gezeravci and the other astronauts from Ankara represent the growing interest and participation of the country in space exploration. The collaboration with Axiom Space, NASA, and SpaceX highlights the increasing role of private companies in shaping the future of space travel.
The inclusion of a former NASA senior astronaut in the journey underlines the cooperative efforts between space agencies and private enterprises. This partnership not only facilitates the fulfillment of personal space travel dreams but also contributes to the broader goals of advancing space exploration capabilities.
The two-week stay at the International Space Station will involve conducting experiments, gathering data, and adapting to the unique challenges of life in microgravity. Such experiences contribute valuable insights that aid in the development of technologies and methodologies crucial for future space missions.
The significant financial investment made by Turkey and other participating countries underscores the commitment to advancing their space programs. The emergence of space tourism, while initially exclusive, is indicative of a broader trend toward commercialization and accessibility of space exploration.
NASA's initiation of this program two years ago reflects the agency's evolving approach to space exploration, embracing collaboration with private entities to expand the scope and reach of human spaceflight. As technology continues to advance and private companies play an increasingly pivotal role, the landscape of space exploration is likely to witness further transformations.
The success of this mission and the experiences gained by the Turkish astronauts, along with their international counterparts, will undoubtedly contribute to the ongoing dialogue on the future of space tourism and humanity's exploration beyond Earth.