Turkey's second astronaut Tuva Cihangir Atasever said that the data obtained in the Sub-Orbital Research Flight will be analyzed and that they will develop a microgravity research road map for Turkey in the next few years, which will add value to the lives of people both in the country and globally. Regarding the research flight he successfully completed, Atasever said, "Of course, one of the integral parts of this mission was research, but the main purpose is to encourage the next generation to dream bigger, bolder dreams." said.
A press conference was held after the "VSS Unity" suborbital vehicle, including Atasever, landed at the Spaceport facility in New Mexico. Deputy Minister of Industry and Technology Ahmet Yozgatlıgil and Axiom Space Chief Astronaut Michael Lopez-Alegria also attended the meeting.
“SPACE INDUSTRY IS VERY IMPORTANT FOR OUR COUNTRY”
Deputy Minister of Industry and Technology Yozgatlıgil noted that Turkey has become a very important space country and that the first communication satellite developed and produced entirely in Turkey will be launched within a month.
Mentioning that another goal of the National Space Program is to reach the Moon in 2026, Yozgatlıgil stated that, as Turkey, they aim to reach space independently and have a spaceport with international cooperation.
Yozgatlıgil pointed out that they understand the importance of access to space and said, "The space industry and the new space concept are very important for Turkey and we are taking the necessary steps to move in this direction." said.
“WE WILL DEVELOP A MICROGRAVITY ROADMAP”
Pointing out that he had a very intense journey, Atasever said, “The first shock was the separation. We were only there for brief seconds but it felt like it lasted longer. Immediately after the rocket engine started and the power in that spacecraft was probably the most impressive aspect of the flight. Of course, floating in microgravity is also great fun and very relaxing at the same time.” he said.
Stating that his experience cannot be expressed with adjectives, Atasever explained that he could describe it as looking at the Earth and seeing the planet from an experimental perspective.
Atasever pointed out that the experimental part of the flight was successful and said, “I was able to successfully perform all the necessary operations regarding the three payloads I carried in my custom-made flight suit. "The scientific aspect of the mission was a great success and I'm very excited about it." made the statement.
Stating that the data obtained during the suborbital flight will be analyzed, Atasever stated that they will develop a microgravity research road map for Turkey in the next few years, which will add value to the lives of people both in the country and globally.
“I TAKEN THE WATCH GIVEN BY PRESIDENT ERDOĞAN”
Atasever mentioned that he took with him the Turkish flag that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan gave him as a gift and the Azerbaijani flag, which is his mother's hometown, and said, "They were standing side by side with the keffiyeh, which is important for the Palestinian people, who are in a very painful situation right now." said.
Pointing out that the expression "Two states, one nation" is used for Turkey and Azerbaijan, Atasever explained that the flags of both countries stand side by side to reflect this.
Atasever stated that he took the watch that President Erdoğan gave him as a gift and many personal belongings from his family and friends.
“WORK WITH EFFORT AND STRATEGIC”
Explaining that he fulfills this duty for future generations, Atasever said:
“Of course, research was an integral part of this mission, but the real goal is to encourage the next generation to dream bigger, bolder dreams. So what I would tell them is, decide to choose really bold dreams for yourself and then work diligently and strategically to turn them into achievable goals. “I would be more than happy to do my best to help them achieve their dreams.”
“I AM IMPRESSED BY THE IMPORTANCE TURKEY GIVES TO YOUTH”
Lopez-Alegria also said that Axiom's role in this flight was to fulfill the second phase of their agreement with the Turkish Space Agency.
Reminding that the first stage was to fly Turkey's first astronaut Alper Gezeravcı to the International Space Station for research activities, Lopez-Alegria expressed their satisfaction in participating in this.
Lopez-Alegria mentioned that they trained together with Atasever and said, "He is an extremely dedicated, devoted, curious, intelligent and talented young man." he said.
Pointing out that they spent a few days in Turkey as the crew of the Ax-3 Space Mission, including Alper Gezeravcı, Lopez-Alegria stated that he was very impressed by the importance Turkey gives to young people.
Lopez-Alegria stated that they visited several companies in the space industry and that it was surprising that most of the employees there were under the age of 30. "I think the future is very bright for young people in Turkey." made his assessment.
