Turkish Minister Kacır Holds Meeting with Business Leaders in the USA
Turkey Achieves First Manned Space Mission to International Space Station
Turkey has reached a major milestone in the field of science, technology, and space studies as the country prepares to send Alper Gezeravcı to the International Space Station (ISS) for the first time. This marks the first manned space mission for Turkey, with plans for another astronaut, Tuva Cihangir Atasever, to perform a suborbital flight in the near future. The selection of Gezeravcı, a Turkish Air Force pilot, and Atasever, a ROKETSAN engineer, reflects the progress of Turkey’s National Technology Move.
The National Technology Move is aimed at achieving full independence in critical technologies, transitioning to value-added production, and being able to compete in high-tech exports globally. Over the past 22 years, Turkey has seen significant development in R&D and innovation, with a focus on strengthening independence in technology and increasing high-tech exports.
The defense industry has been a particular area of success for Turkish companies, with exports in this field increasing from 250 million dollars to 5.5 billion dollars over the past 21 years. The number of projects in the defense industry has also skyrocketed to 850, with a value of over 90 billion dollars. These achievements have set the stage for a similar success story in all areas of industry and technology.
Excitement and enthusiasm for space travel have been growing in Turkey, with hopes for the country’s own rocket to go into space. Minister Kacır emphasized the potential contribution of space projects to Turkey’s economy, particularly through the development of advanced systems in the defense industry.
Turkey is also making strides in space technology through its Lunar Program, with plans to utilize hybrid fuel rocket engine technology. The country aims to gain a larger share of the space economy, which is currently worth 600 billion dollars and expected to reach 1 trillion dollars soon.
To support the growth of the technology sector, Turkey will be launching the Türkiye TECH VISA to attract global investments in the country. Additionally, the country will continue to support start-ups and plans to establish a Technology Entrepreneurial Factory.
This significant progress in space studies and technology was highlighted during a meeting attended by various government officials and Turkey’s youngest Member of Parliament. In addition, Minister Kacır also met with Turkish scientists and academics working in US universities, demonstrating Turkey’s commitment to advancing in the world of science and technology.
