During the unveiling of Türkiye's National Space Program in early 2021, President Erdoğan declared, "By the close of 2023, we aim to reach the Moon, executing a challenging landing using our distinctive national hybrid rocket launched from near-earth orbit."
According to the information obtained by SABAH, an extensive public communication initiative is set to unfold during the journey of the Turkish space traveler. The astronaut will establish connections with Türkiye from the International Space Station, both prior to departure and upon return, with these moments broadcasted live for audiences to follow.
President Erdoğan revealed the names of Türkiye's inaugural space travelers, Alper Gezeravcı and Tuva Cihangir Atasever, during the Aviation, Space, and Technology Festival TEKNOFEST 2023.
In the process of selecting these individuals, Gezeravcı and Atasever underwent a rigorous assessment, including intelligence tests, analytical thinking evaluations, psychological assessments, as well as physical and environmental tests.
Gezeravcı and Atasever underwent specialized training for their responsibilities in Houston, U.S. In this location, the space travelers, having undergone a thorough and comprehensive technical training process, will engage in experiments selected by TÜBİTAK while in space.
The launch for the historic space mission will occur at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Türkiye's inaugural space passenger is slated to travel to the International Space Station, with a planned duration of stay in space set at 14 days.
As part of Türkiye's Moon Mission, the country has successfully concluded its domestic unmanned space vehicle design and production efforts.
The ongoing work is directed towards the development of a proprietary and national space rocket engine, utilizing hybrid fuel, for deployment in this ambitious mission.
