Türkiye’s First Crewed Space Mission Discussed with Alper Gezeravcı at Istanbul Gelisim University

Istanbul Gelisim University hosted an important program shedding light on Türkiye's space vision. At a talk titled “Türkiye's First Crewed Space Mission: ISS”, Türkiye's first astronaut Alper Gezeravcı came together with students. Held to a large audience, the event addressed Türkiye’s space journey, the National Space Program, and technological developments in the defense industry. The program’s opening remarks were delivered by IGU Rector Prof. Bahri Şahin, who noted that Türkiye has achieved important momentum in space and aviation in recent years and drew attention to the role universities play in this process. Alper Gezeravcı then took the floor and shared his assessments on Türkiye's space activities.

“A New Phase Was Reached with TÜRKSAT 6A”

Noting that Türkiye has accumulated significant technical expertise over the years, Gezeravcı stated:

“With the development, production, and launch operations of the BİLSAT, RASAT, İMECE, and GÖKTÜRK satellites, we reached a serious level of experience. This process then moved into a new phase with TÜRKSAT 6A. In 2018, the Turkish Space Agency was established to conduct all activities that the Republic of Türkiye wishes to carry out in the space domain under a single roof. As a result of the work undertaken, the National Space Program of the Republic of Türkiye was prepared and shared with the public in February 2021.”

Drawing attention to developments in the defense industry and high technology, Gezeravcı noted:

“There are only 7 countries in the world capable of producing the air-to-air missiles we carry on the wings of fighter jets like the F-16. Türkiye is one of them. There are only 6 countries in the world that can produce their own electric vehicle, helicopter, and aircraft; the Republic of Türkiye is one of those as well.”

"We Are among the Countries That Can Produce Base Station Technology"

Expressing that Türkiye has also reached an important milestone in communications technologies, Gezeravcı said:

“There are only 5 countries in the world capable of producing the base stations that enable mobile phones to communicate with one another, and Türkiye is among them. The Republic of Türkiye is also among the select few countries in the world that can integrate a domestically developed air-to-air missile into a domestically developed combat platform and successfully strike another airborne target.”

Gezeravcı also described in full detail the process of Türkiye's first crewed space mission from start to finish. He shared all of his experiences with the students, from his training period and the launch moment to his duties aboard the International Space Station and the return journey to Earth, completing his presentation by recounting the full adventure of the space journey.

Prof. Bahri Şahin: “Türkiye Has Covered Very Important Ground in the Last 20 Years”

Speaking at the program, Prof. Bahri Şahin noted that Türkiye has achieved an important pace of development in space and aviation over the last 20 years and stated:

“Many endeavors that were once considered dreams have today turned into concrete success stories. The level Türkiye has reached in space and aviation now attracts attention on the international stage. Alper Gezeravcı’s mission is not only a scientific achievement, but also a powerful source of inspiration and motivation for our young people. As a university, we attach great importance to the space and aviation field and continue to develop our research and education infrastructure in this direction.”

Drawing attention to the importance of industry-university collaboration, Şahin added:

“With the 6 protocols we signed at the SAHA Istanbul 2026 Fair, we have begun conducting joint testing and research processes with industrial organizations within our university. We are continuing our work to transfer our university's academic knowledge to the industry with determination. We believe these collaborations will make important contributions to Türkiye's space and aviation vision.”

The program, which attracted a large audience, concluded with a group photograph with students, following the presentation of a plaque to Alper Gezeravcı by IGU Rector Prof. Bahri Şahin and the presentation of a university painting by IGU Secretary-General Assoc. Prof. Serdar Egeli.