Türkiye's Space Sciences and Missions

Spatial sciences encompass the collective disciplines that study the universe beyond Earth’s atmosphere, celestial bodies, and the characteristics of outer space. This field includes disciplines such as astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, and cosmology. Space missions are planned journeys undertaken to conduct scientific research, develop technology, and explore space. Türkiye has accelerated its activities in this domain since the establishment of the Türkiye Space Agency (TUA) in 2018 and the subsequent announcement of the National Space Program. The program aims to enhance Türkiye’s competence in space technologies, reduce external dependency, and secure a share in the global space economy.

National Space Program and Objectives

The National Space Program, prepared by the Türkiye Space Agency, was designed to integrate the country’s space policies, strategies, and projects into a cohesive framework. Its core objectives include developing the necessary infrastructure for space technologies, reducing external dependency, and increasing Türkiye’s visibility on the international stage. The strategy document highlights the global space economy, which reached a value of $424 billion by 2020 and is growing rapidly. In this context, the program seeks to position Türkiye in future-oriented fields such as space tourism, satellite constellations, in-space manufacturing, and space mining. Strategic milestones outlined in the program include reaching the Moon, developing indigenous satellites, establishing a spaceport, and sending a Turkish citizen into space.

Türkiye’s First Manned Space Mission

One of the most prominent objectives of the National Space Program, the manned space mission, has been realized through the “Turkish Space Traveler and Science Mission” project. Under this initiative, a Turkish citizen was planned to be sent to the International Space Station (ISS) to conduct scientific experiments. For this mission, Alper Gezeravcı, a former F-16 pilot in the Turkish Air Force Command, was selected. Gezeravcı, alongside Roketsan engineer Tuva Cihangir Atasever, was chosen from among the candidates and completed their training in Houston, Texas, USA.

The Axiom Mission 3 (Ax-3) crew, which included Alper Gezeravcı, was launched on January 19, 2024 (Türkiye time) from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, USA, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The crew reached the International Space Station after a 36-hour journey in the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. Alongside Gezeravcı, the Ax-3 crew consisted of mission commander Michael López-Alegría (USA/Spain), pilot Walter Villadei (Italy), and Marcus Wandt (Sweden/ESA). Gezeravcı became Türkiye’s first astronaut with this mission. The mission lasted 14 days aboard the ISS and was successfully completed when Gezeravcı returned to Earth on February 9, 2024.

Photograph of Alper Gezeravcı during Türkiye’s First Manned Space Mission (AA)

Scientific Experiments Conducted on the International Space Station

Alper Gezeravcı’s mission aboard the ISS was designed as a science mission. Under the coordination of the Ministry of Industry and Technology, TUA, and TÜBİTAK, thirteen distinct scientific experiments developed by Turkish scientists were carried out. These experiments aimed to investigate the effects of microgravity across various fields including biology, medicine, materials science, and genetics. The selected experiments are as follows:

UYNA: Developed by TÜBİTAK Marmara Research Center (MAM), this experiment aimed to produce high-temperature-resistant and high-strength alloys. By studying the effects of microgravity on crystal growth and thermophysical properties, the project seeks to enhance Türkiye’s capability to develop next-generation materials for the space, aerospace, and defense industries.

gMETAL: Also developed by TÜBİTAK MAM, this experiment investigated how gravity influences the formation of homogeneous mixtures between solid particles and fluid media. The findings are expected to improve the efficiency of spacecraft propulsion systems.

UzMAn: Developed by Boğaziçi University, this experiment tested the growth and resilience of microalgae species adapted to extreme conditions under microgravity, analyzed their metabolic changes, and evaluated their potential for life support systems.

EXTREMOPHYTE: Developed by Ege University, this experiment compared the physiological and molecular responses of plants (A. thaliana and S. parvula) grown in space and on Earth under salt stress conditions.

METABOLOM: Conducted by Ankara University, this research examined the effects of space conditions on human health. By analyzing changes in the astronaut’s gene expression and metabolism, the study aimed to identify potential risk factors of space travel and develop strategies to mitigate these effects.

MİYELOİD: Developed by Hacettepe University, this experiment measured the impact of space travel and cosmic radiation on the immune system at the level of myeloid-derived suppressor cells.

MESSAGE: Developed by Üsküdar University, this experiment aimed to identify genes affected by microgravity whose functions are not yet understood. Using CRISPR gene-editing techniques, researchers investigated which immune cells are directly influenced by gravity.

ALGALSPACE: Developed by Yıldız Technical University, this experiment compared growth data of Antarctic and temperate zone microalgae in space to assess the potential of polar algae for use in life support systems (oxygen production, supplemental food, water purification) in space environments.

Other experiments included studies on the effects of propolis in microgravity and technological research on electronic circuit board assembly.

Objectives and Societal Impact of the Mission

Türkiye’s first manned space science mission did more than collect scientific data; it also served critical strategic and societal goals. The mission’s primary objectives included providing Turkish scientists with opportunities to conduct research in space, enhancing Türkiye’s international visibility in the space domain, inspiring the younger generation toward science and technology, and creating a source of national inspiration. Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır noted that the mission was closely followed by the entire society, from children to the elderly, and marked a significant beginning in Türkiye’s journey toward becoming a science-based society. The mission has instilled considerable confidence, particularly among children and youth, enabling them to envision new dreams in space and science.

Future Vision and Projects

Türkiye’s first manned space mission is viewed not as the culmination but as the beginning of the National Space Program. Future goals include a suborbital flight by the second astronaut, Tuva Cihangir Atasever, to conduct scientific experiments. Additionally, the Moon Program, which aims to send an unmanned spacecraft to the Moon, is one of the program’s most ambitious projects. This mission plans to enable Türkiye to reach the Moon using a spacecraft designed and manufactured domestically. Other objectives include establishing a space technology development zone in Ankara, developing launch vehicles, constructing a spaceport through international cooperation, and creating a regional positioning and timing system. These steps reflect Türkiye’s vision of becoming an independent force in space technologies and securing a lasting position in the global space race.