Launch date for Turkey's first astronaut Gezeravcı to space announced: PTT issues special stamp

Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır announced that Turkey's first astronaut, Alper Gezeravcı, will depart for the International Space Station with the Ax-3 crew at 01:11 on the night connecting January 17 to January 18.

According to the statement from the Ministry, the countdown continues for Turkey's first manned space mission.

In a post on his social media account X, Minister Kacır stated that Turkey's first space traveler, Gezeravcı, will head toward the International Space Station with the launch taking place at 01:11 on the night connecting January 17 to January 18, adding, "This historic mission will not only be an important milestone in Turkey's space science studies but will also be a great source of inspiration for future generations."

Furthermore, Turkey's first astronaut Gezeravcı had also used the expression, "The quarantine, which is the first step of the operational process, begins today," in a post he made on his social media account yesterday.

The crew is expected to dock at the International Space Station at 13:15 on January 19, following a journey that will last 1.5 days.

PTT ISSUES SPECIAL STAMP

A commemorative stamp and envelope have been designed by the Turkish Space Agency (TUA) and PTT for Turkey's first manned space mission, in which Gezeravcı will take the Turkish flag into space.

The stamp features various symbols, each holding special meaning for this important journey. On the left side of the stamp, there is an 8-pointed Seljuk Star, a symbol from the depths of history, which also includes the 100th Anniversary and Turkish Space Agency logos. Next to it is the silhouette of the first astronaut, Gezeravcı, with the Turkish flag on his shoulder. Around the stamp, 16 stars are positioned in reference to the 16 Turkish States in history.

Here is that stamp: