Astronauts and Cosmonauts Admired GUHEM

📩 28/09/2023 15:38

Bursa is experiencing a historic week in the field of space and aviation. Within the scope of the 'Planetary Congress', the 34th meeting of the Association of Space Explorers (ASE), 70 world-famous astronauts and cosmonauts in Bursa, Turkey's first space and aviation-themed training and experience center, Gökmen Space. He visited Aviation Training Center – GUHEM. Astronauts who tested interactive mechanisms and flight simulators expressed their admiration for GUHEM, saying, "There is no such center in the world."

70 astronauts and cosmonauts came together with space and aviation enthusiasts from Bursa, hosted by GUHEM, which was implemented by Bursa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BTSO) with the support of TÜBİTAK and in cooperation with the Metropolitan Municipality, and Bursa Business School, which it brought to the city as a reference training center for the business world. continues. The astronauts who visited GUHEM, one of the symbolic works of Bursa with its architectural structure and technical mechanisms, first signed their photographs displayed on the memorial wall at the entrance. Astronauts and cosmonauts came together with young people at the center and shared their space experiences, tested more than 150 interactive mechanisms and flight simulators, and closely examined the laboratories in the center, especially space innovation and aviation.

“I have never seen such a center anywhere in the world”

Astronauts and cosmonauts praised GUHEM in their comments about the center. Astronaut Eytan Stibbe, who was selected for the special astronaut mission called Axiom Mission 1 and went to the International Space Station (ISS), said that GUHEM is an extraordinary center. Stating that GUHEM is an inspiring place for people of all ages, Stibbe said: “I have never seen such a beautiful center anywhere in the world before. Maybe we can compare GUHEM with the center in Houston, USA. “It's really exciting.” said. Sharing his views on Turkey's space mission, Stibbe said, “At the beginning of next year, Turkey will send its own astronauts to the International Space Station. This experience will be inspiring for everyone in this country. We also share this excitement in Bursa, where we come from many countries of the world such as the USA, Canada, Russia and China.” he said.

“Children Walking in This Center Will See the Earth from Space in the Future”

Dutch Astronaut Andre Kuipers, who made European history by staying in space for 204 days, said that he was very happy to be a member of Turkey's space family. Stating that Bursa is hosting an important organization, Kuipers said, “We will talk about the developments in space internationally all week. We are currently in GUHEM. Both the aviation and space floors are quite impressive. These centers are very important to direct new generations to science and technology. I can say that GUHEM is an exemplary center for the whole world. "Those who will see the world from space in the future will be the children walking in this center today." said.

Schweickart, who went to the moon, experienced the moon simulation

Within the scope of the GUHEM visit, US Astronaut Rusty Schweickart, who took part in the Apollo 9 mission, and Victor Glover, one of the astronauts assigned by the American National Aeronautics and Space Administration NASA for the Artemis 50 mission, the first human journey to the Moon after more than 2 years, visited the moon in GUHEM. experienced the simulation together. In their joint statement, the two astronauts expressed their admiration for GUHEM. Expressing that he was pleased to have the chance to visit GUHEM in Bursa, Glover said, “This place is really impressive. Experiencing the hands-on activities here excites older children like me, too. Using and applying the systems here ensures real learning. Thanks to the experience here, children are motivated to learn more. It is a very special centre. “I'm happy to see this place.” said.

“A World Class Building”

US Astronaut Rusty Schweickart, who took part in the Apollo 9 mission, described GUHEM as a "World Class" center. Calling the center “the best I have ever seen,” Schweickart said, “It is an exciting place, especially for children. "Not only are hands-on activities fun, they also help children get the gist of space and aviation." he said.

“The New Generation Will Gain Courage with This Center”

Anna Lee Fisher, the first mother astronaut to go to space in 1984, emphasized that GUHEM is a great center that inspires the new generation. Astronaut Fisher said, “The young people who come here will learn what has been done in the past in the field of space and gain courage for what they can achieve in the future. When I saw Alan Shepard, the first American to go to space, I decided to become an astronaut and managed to become the first mother to go to space. “I am proud to show women what they can achieve.” she said.

Astronaut Julie Payette, former Governor General of Canada, stated that the center is an important starting point for young people to become acquainted with space and aviation and said, “There are not only simulators but also many interactive flight-related mechanisms here. Young people who come here will tend to make a career in this field. Turkish astronauts will soon travel to space. This is just the beginning. "I'm sure there will be people who follow these steps in the future." she said.

“BTSO Dreamed and Achieved”

Working at NASA, Dr. Umut Yıldız stated that BTSO crowned its vision in the field of space and aviation with GUHEM, which it dreamed of 10 years ago, and said, “BTSO had a dream 10 years ago. One of the most important outcomes of this dream is GUHEM. This is a huge centre. You can find everything about space here. It has become a place where especially our children can get motivation and draw a career map for themselves in the future. I recommend every young person and every person in Turkey to come here. BTSO has a motto; 'Believe in yourself, trust in your country.' We both trust ourselves and believe in our country. “We will gain a place both on earth and in space.” he said.

Turkey's Gokmens are in GUHEM

Turkey's First Gökmen Candidate Alper Gezeravcı stated that GUHEM is a world-scale center and said, “GUHEM is a visionary project that provides inspiration to our children. I would like to express my gratitude to BTSO Chairman of the Board of Directors, İbrahim Burkay and its valuable members, who put forward this vision years ago and presented such an unprecedented work to the children of not only Bursa but also all of Turkey.” said.

Gökmen Candidate Tuva Cihangir Atasever said that GUHEM is a very important project for the future of Turkey. Stating that he observed that children showed great interest in places with this concept when they went to places like GUHEM abroad, Atasever said, “The vision put forward by BTSO is very important for the future of not only Bursa but also the whole of Turkey. It is a great pride for us to be here. "It gives us great pleasure and happiness that people who have seen centers similar to GUHEM see this place and are fascinated by it." he said.

Astronauts and Cosmonauts Met with Young People, 60 Thousand People Followed

After their visit to GUHEM, world-famous astronauts met with students at the "Science Society" event held at Merinos Atatürk Congress Cultural Center. Space enthusiasts who followed the program, in which astronauts shared their space experiences for about 2 hours, filled the hall completely. Approximately 700 people followed the event in the hall and more than 60 thousand viewers on online platforms.