Published by Turkish media
January 20, 2024
The first Turkish astronaut, Alper CezeravicHe was welcomed into space on Saturday with his three international spacemates aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
The station's seven-person crew met the four Axiom Mission 3 astronauts: Albert Giserafi, Michael Lopez Alegría (Spain), Walter Velade (Italy), and Markus Wandt (Sweden).
The mission launched Thursday afternoon from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This happened with the Falcon 9 rocket of the private space exploration company SpaceX.
The four men will conduct more than thirty scientific research during their fourteen-day stay.
“This is a very exciting time for human spaceflight, as the third special mission allows many countries to participate in the scientific research and technology development that we are doing aboard this orbiting laboratory,” ISS Commander Andreas Mogensen said during the ceremony.
He added: “We have doubled the number of nationalities on board the space station, from four to eight, which I believe is a great testament to the international cooperation supported by this beautiful space station.”
Gizaravci from Turkey said he was happy to represent his country and looked forward to contributing to scientific and research efforts. He expressed his gratitude to Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the Turkish Republic, and all the heroes who were martyred for the sake of Turkey, the state and the nation, for giving them the opportunity to enter space.
“This is truly a symbol of how Axiom is working with NASA and other partners to expand human access to low Earth orbit,” commented Lopez Alegría, Ax-3 mission commander.
“There are many nationalities represented on board. “This really symbolizes what we are trying to do to open it up not only to other countries, but also to individuals and researchers,” he added.
Pilot Velade said it was wonderful to be on the International Space Station and see how international cooperation led to the creation of this outpost.
Crew member Wandt said it was amazing to fly and orbit the Earth for 36 hours.
© Turkmedia.nl – All rights reserved | aa | Publication date: 01-20-2024
“Total coffee specialist. Hardcore reader. Incurable music scholar. Web guru. Freelance troublemaker. Problem solver. Travel trailblazer.”
More Stories
Brabanders are concerned about climate change.
The “term-linked contract” saves space on the electricity grid.
The oystercatcher, the “unlucky national bird,” is increasingly breeding on rooftops.