No More Late Starts: Ensuring Timely Beginnings in the Future
Alper Gezeravcı Emphasizes Turkey’s Success in Space at Youth Panel
Alper Gezeravcı, who recently made history as the first Turkish astronaut to go into space, spoke at the “Youth Panel” during the Antalya Diplomatic Forum 2024. Despite his monumental achievement, Gezeravcı humbly credited the success of going into space to the Republic of Turkey, emphasizing that it was a collective effort.
During his speech, Gezeravcı shared that he did not experience fear or excitement during the launch phase, as he believed it was his duty to perform to the best of his abilities. He expressed his true excitement when interacting with children who showed their support through space drawings and young adults at panels.
Reflecting on his journey to space, Gezeravcı revealed the meticulous process of applying for the astronaut program and the determination he felt to meet the requirements set for the 100th anniversary of Turkey. He highlighted the importance of space tourism and the need for technological advancements to facilitate recreational trips to space.
Gezeravcı also mentioned the significance of space diplomacy and the legal frameworks that need to be established to enable access to space for tourists. He proudly announced that Turkey is the 22nd country to send its own people into space, showcasing the country’s rapid progress in the space ecosystem.
The astronaut emphasized that Turkey’s manned space mission marks the beginning of a new chapter, indicating that future endeavors in space exploration are on the horizon. Gezeravcı credited his family for their unwavering support and shared touching moments leading up to his historic journey.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Burak Akçapar commended Gezeravcı for turning many people’s childhood dreams into reality. He stressed the importance of space technologies in various aspects of society and the need for Turkey to establish a strong presence in the international space arena.
Overall, Gezeravcı’s presence at the Youth Panel served as a testament to Turkey’s growing success in space exploration and emphasized the country’s commitment to advancing in the realm of aerospace technology.
