
Turkey experienced a significant turning point in its history with its first manned space mission recently. Coordinated by the Presidency, Ministry of Industry and Technology, TÜBİTAK and the Turkish Space Agency (TUA), this important mission was crowned with the documentary “Beyond the Horizon” and an exhibition at the Istanbul Atatürk Cultural Center. Prepared using the space experiences of Turkish astronaut Alper Gezeravcı, who took the first step in the manned space program, and images obtained in collaboration with NASA and AXIOM Space, the documentary stands out as a strong step towards Turkey’s great goals in the space field.
Minister Kacır's Vision: A Strong Türkiye in Space
Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır, in his speech at the gala event, emphasized Turkey’s goals in the space program and its vision to contribute to international projects in this field. Stating that the Turkish nation, which had dreams about space in the past, is now taking a big step to make these dreams come true, Kacır said, “We will realize our moon program and become one of the countries that can reach the moon,” and drew attention to the goals that pave the way for Turkey to gain a stronger place in space. Minister Kacır stated that this mission is not only a scientific success, but also a memory that reinforces the unity and common excitement of the Turkish nation.
The Mission of the First Astronaut Alper Gezeravcı
Alper Gezeravcı made history as Turkey’s first astronaut to take space. After successfully completing his mission, Gezeravcı thanked President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the Turkish nation. The mission increased the interest of young people and children in space, inspiring the development of future scientists and astronauts. Gezeravcı emphasized that space travel is not only a scientific achievement, but also an opportunity to develop Turkey’s collaborations and technological capacity in the space field.
“Beyond the Horizon” Documentary and Exhibition: Turkey’s Space Story
The documentary “Beyond the Horizon” is a scientific success story that tells every stage of Turkey’s space journey. The documentary includes footage shot by Alper Gezeravcı during his time in space and images provided by NASA and AXIOM Space, while 280 hours of footage were recorded worldwide. In this historic mission, Turkey’s progress in space technologies and future goals were once again revealed. The exhibition presents participants with equipment, photographs, interactive areas and videos that have become symbols of Turkey’s space journey. One of the most striking sections of the exhibition is the metaphorical space tunnel that introduces the history of Turkey’s space studies and the basic goals of the National Space Program.
Scientific Experiments and Education: From the Depths of Space to Turkey
The 20 scientific experiments conducted in space opened a new page for the Turkish scientific world. 13 of these experiments were conducted by Alper Gezeravcı and 7 by Tuva Cihangir Atasever. The scientific missions revealed Turkey's potential to provide scientific contributions in the international arena. The exhibition presents information and processes about the experiments in space missions to the participants. In addition, photographs of every stage of the space journey and works from painting and composition competitions made by students are also exhibited.
Investing in the Future: Turkey's Space Vision
Minister Kacır stated that while Turkey is shaping its future in the field of space, the interest of young people and children in space science is increasing day by day. Such projects are an important step towards Turkey becoming a leading country in space technologies worldwide. In the future, Turkey is planned to launch its own rockets into space, contribute to the establishment of space stations and carry out manned missions to the Moon. In order to achieve these goals, Turkey will accelerate its work with both its own scientists and international collaborations.
Journey to Space and Turkey's Rising Star
The documentary and exhibition “Beyond the Horizon” has gone down in history as an important monument that tells the story of Turkey’s great steps in space travel. This success is not just a scientific mission, but a turning point that strengthens the unity, excitement and hope for the future of the Turkish nation. The steps Turkey has taken towards its goals in the field of space will bring more scientific developments and international cooperation on this journey.