First Turkish astronaut Alper Gezeravcı to conduct 13 scientific experiments in space

Turkey's first astronaut, Alper Gezeravcı, will conduct 13 different scientific experiments prepared by universities and research institutions at the International Space Station (ISS).

According to a statement from the Ministry of Industry and Technology, information was shared regarding the scientific experiments to be carried out during Turkey's first manned space mission.

It was stated that the applications received for the call for experiments were evaluated by a commission consisting of experts from the Turkish Space Agency (TUA) and TÜBİTAK Space.

In the statement, the details regarding the experiments that Turkey's first astronaut Gezeravcı will conduct were listed as follows:

With the UYNA experiment developed by the TÜBİTAK Marmara Research Center (MAM), a study will be conducted on the production of high-strength alloys resistant to high temperatures. This aims to contribute to Turkey's capability to develop next-generation materials for the space, aviation, and defense industries.

With the gMETAL experiment developed by TÜBİTAK MAM, the effect of gravity on the formation of a homogeneous mixture between solid particles and a fluid medium under chemically non-reactive conditions will be investigated. This aims to make the propulsion systems of spacecraft more efficient.

With the UzMAn experiment developed by Boğaziçi University, growth and durability tests of microalgae species will be carried out under microgravity conditions. This experiment aims to develop life support systems by determining their carbon dioxide capture performance and oxygen production capabilities.

With the EXTREMOPHYTE experiment developed by Ege University, it is planned to compare the physiological and molecular responses of plants grown in space and on Earth when exposed to salt stress.

With the METABOLOM research conducted by Ankara University, the effects of space conditions on human health will be examined, and measures will be developed to reduce negative effects.

With the MİYELOİD experiment developed by Hacettepe University, the immunological effects of space conditions will be measured and evaluated.

With the MESSAGE experiment developed by Üsküdar University, the aim is to detect genes affected in space and examine them using CRISPR gene engineering methods.

With the ALGALSPACE experiment developed by Yıldız Technical University, the comparison and potential use of microalgae grown in space will be investigated.

With the CRISPR-GEM experiment, also conducted by the same university, the goal is to investigate the effectiveness of CRISPR on plants in a microgravity environment.

With the PRANET experiment prepared by students from the Muş Science and Art Center, the effect of propolis on bacteria in a microgravity environment will be examined.

With the VOKALKORD experiment conducted by Haliç University, the detection of disorders through frequency changes in voice using smartwatches and artificial intelligence support within respiratory system physiology, as well as the effects of a microgravity environment on the voice, will be investigated.

With the OKSİJEN SATURASYONU (Oxygen Saturation) experiment to be conducted by Nişantaşı University, the aim is to define the differences caused by low gravity.

With the MİYOKA experiment conducted by TÜBİTAK SPACE, it is planned for the first Turkish space traveler to perform lead-free component assembly on an electronic card at the station and to investigate the effects of microgravity on the soldering process.