One of the most important elements of Turkey’s development in space adventure was Alper Gezeravcı’s journey into space. In this mission carried out by the Axiom Space company, Alper Gezeravcı, who was selected as Turkey’s first astronaut, went to the International Space Station and left Earth to conduct various experiments. This mission, which was followed with great excitement and interest in our country throughout the process, ended on February 7, 2024, when Gezeravcı left the ISS and returned to earth. Alper Gezeravcı’s return details and where he works are among the topics of curiosity.
Is Alper Gezeravcı back?
Turkey’s first astronaut Alper Gezeravcı, who successfully completed his mission at the International Space Station, returned to Turkey. After spending 18 days at the International Space Station, the first Turkish astronaut Gezeravcı completed Turkey’s first manned space science mission and landed on Earth on February 9, 2024. Following the health checks carried out in the USA, Gezeravcı arrived at Ankara Esenboğa Airport on the Presidential plane. Gezeravcı was welcomed by Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır, TÜBİTAK President Hasan Mandal, Turkish Space Agency (TUA) President Yusuf Kıraç and Turkey’s second astronaut Tuva Cihangir Atasever.
During the return ceremony, 13 children presented flowers to Gezeravcı on the apron. Gezeravcı also gifted the 13 Turkish flags he carried with him to the International Space Station to children. Gezeravcı’s family also returned to Turkey on the same plane. Gezeravcı conducted 13 experiments during his stay at the space station.
Where does Alper Gezeravcı work?
Alper Gezeravcı, the first Turkish astronaut to go to space, carried out 13 scientific experiments on the International Space Station (ISS) during his mission, which started on January 19, 2024. It also created awareness about Turkey’s space adventure. Turkey’s first space traveler was watched with enthusiasm through live connections throughout Turkey and space tents set up in various provinces.
When we look at the career of Gezeravcı, who is a Turk who went to space; It is seen that he served as a fighter pilot in the Turkish Air Force and flew many aircraft such as T-41, SF-260, T-37, T-38, F-5, KC-135 and F-16 for 15 years. He then worked as a captain pilot at Turkish Airlines for seven years. Gezeravcı most recently served as the Standardization Squadron Academic Wing Commander and responsible personnel at the 10th Base Command Unit in Adana.
According to the decision published in the Official Gazette after the extended journey; 6 new names have been appointed to the Board of Directors of the Turkish Space Agency (TUA). One of these names was Alper Gezeravcı, who had the title of the first Turkish astronaut in space.
In other words, Alper Gezeravcı, Turkey’s first astronaut, serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the Turkish Space Agency (TUA), according to the decision in the Official Gazette.
In accordance with the Presidential Decree, the other 5 names appointed as members of the Board of Directors of the Turkish Space Agency are Alper Güzel, Mustafa Arif Karabeyoğlu, Elvan Kuzucu Hıdır, Mustafa Mehmet Nefes and İsmail Doğan.