Turkey's first space traveler Gezeravcı is planned to be sent to space on January 9

In a post made on the official X social media account of Axiom Mission 3 (Ax-3), the first commercial astronaut mission covering all of Europe that will go to the International Space Station (ISS), it was stated: "Mark your calendars. The Ax-3 mission is targeting a launch date no earlier than January 9. Our all-European crew will lift off to the Space Station with the SpaceX Dragon."

Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır also shared a video on his X social media account, drawing attention to the date "January 9, 2024".

"WE ARE READY FOR OUR SPACE MISSION WITH HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE"

In Kacır's post, Turkey's first space traveler Alper Gezeravcı provided information regarding the space emblem he will carry. Gezeravcı stated the following:

"Emblems are specially designed for each mission. Every detail within the emblem carries a message and expresses a meaning. The emblem that I will proudly carry on my uniform during our first mission to space in the near future carries the following meanings: We are a nation that carries the crescent and star on its flag. There is no doubt that the symbols on our flag are the reason for our curiosity and passion for space. For this very reason, our flag is placed in the most prominent place of the emblem in a circular form. Just above it, you can see the number 100, symbolizing the 100th anniversary of our Republic. Around it are 16 stars. These are the stars symbolizing the 16 Turkish states that are the source of pride in our glorious history. On the world map just below the stars, you see our country in the universally accepted Turquoise color. Finally, there is the 8-pointed Seljuk star, which has very important meanings. We have ensured the integrity of our emblem with the 8-pointed star, which symbolizes the transition of the connection between the earth and the sky and also represents the fundamental principles of Islam. With our emblem on our shoulder and the love of Turkey in our hearts, we are ready for our space mission with historical significance."

HE WILL CONDUCT 13 DIFFERENT EXPERIMENTS

Within the scope of Turkey's First Manned Space Mission, Alper Gezeravcı will stay at the ISS for 14 days following the launch in January and will conduct 13 different scientific experiments.

The first Turkish astronaut Gezeravcı will serve on the mission alongside Spanish, Italian, and Swedish astronauts.

Minister of Industry and Technology Kacır had announced that one of the experiments to be conducted in fields such as biology, medicine, materials science, and genetics was prepared by students at the Muş Science and Art Center.

ABOUT THE FLIGHT

The flight, which is planned to be launched in January 2024 and is expected to last approximately 14 days, will be carried out by Axiom Space and a Crew Dragon spacecraft will be used.

The spacecraft will lift off from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. From there, it will fly to the International Space Station. When the mission is completed, it will splash down in the ocean.

News Source: 12punto