To take the step taken into space even further...

His name: Alper Gezeravcı. Air Force Pilot Colonel…

He is an F-16 pilot who has dreamed of being a pilot since childhood and served in this role for 21 years.
He has gone down in history as Turkey’s first astronaut.

He will begin his scientific work after reaching the International Space Station (ISS).
As a Turk who has embarked on a space journey, he has become our pride. In the midst of this tiresome news cycle, he brought a smile to our faces and rekindled our hope; let us all applaud him together.

The fact that the first words Gezeravcı spoke in space were Atatürk’s quote “The future is in the skies” doubled our joy:
“As the first Turk to step into space for Turkey’s first manned space mission, I would like to start this moment with the words of our Great Leader: The ingenious words of the founder of our Republic of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk; The future is in the skies.”

Alper Gezeravcı is also a name who was targeted by the conspiracies through which FETÖ targeted Atatürkist patriots. FETÖ prosecutors included his name in investigations and conducted administrative inquiries regarding the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK). He was dismissed from the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) in 2012 with the İzmir Military Espionage conspiracy case. He won the lawsuit he filed and returned to the TSK in 2020. (Ersin Eroğlu, 10haber)

WHY NOT?

The fact that our first astronaut is going to space is an important development. When we look at social media, it is clear that it has generally created great happiness. On the other hand, it is possible to see those who try to use this merely as a tool for political propaganda, as well as those who belittle it with arrogance.

Yes, it is a historic development, perhaps not enough; but one must support positive steps taken for the country. While thinking that there is better to come, of course… With investment in science and technology, and with the right policies and planning, we can carry out space travel with our own launch vehicle in the future. Why not?

“ITS VALUE SHOULD NOT BE MEASURED IN MONEY!”

Our esteemed professor, Ege University Faculty of Astronomy and Space Sciences faculty member Prof. Dr. Ömer Lütfi Değirmenci, also views this step as optimistic and valuable for the future.

“When the time comes, we will also have our own launch vehicle. We are at this stage now. Our first astronaut is going to space. 13 experiments designed by our scientists will be conducted in the space environment. The value of the results to be obtained for the sake of science and humanity should not be measured in money... I wholeheartedly congratulate Alper Gezeravcı, the scientists who designed the experiments to be conducted within the scope of the AX-3 mission, and finally the Turkish Space Agency, which managed the process in reaching this entire goal. Of course, the successful completion of the experiments and Gezeravcı’s safe return are also among my wishes,” he shared his views with us.

Professor Ömer is a valuable academic who is at the forefront when it comes to our country and Atatürk’s principles and revolutions. His assessments are very precious.

YES, BUT IT IS NOT ENOUGH!

Let us not use the phrase used by the partners of a period’s sins. Instead, let us say, “Yes, but it is not enough!”, acting on the thought that this step is appropriate and valuable, but must be taken even further.

Technological breakthroughs are a need for our country, like water and bread. Even more than that; it is a necessity! We must build the future, we must be pioneers in science and technology. It is healthy to advance these valuable breakthroughs together with economic, social, and cultural development. We must establish the connection between technology and society.

This progress cannot be achieved by tearing education away from its scientific, contemporary, and secular path and handing it over to religious sects. Textbooks must be suitable for critical thinking.

I would like to state once again: stepping into space is very important and meaningful. Afterwards, one must put effort into taking that step further and ensuring it is grasped in the social sphere as well.

We wish Alper Gezeravcı success once again on his historic journey...

I am on the program Alternatif on 96.6 Yön Radyo every Thursday at 15.00. I hope you listen...