Alper Gezeravci: The first official Turk on ISS

Axiom Space’s Ax-3 mission successfully docks with the International Space Station (ISS), making Alper Gezeravci the first Turkish national to set foot on the ISS.

In a milestone both for private space exploration and Turkiye, Axiom Space’s Axiom Mission 3, commonly referred to as Ax-3, achieved a smooth docking procedure as its Crew Dragon spacecraft locked in with the International Space Station (ISS) on Saturday, making Alper Gezeravci the first Turkish national ever to set foot on the ISS. 

Guided by the experienced hand of Mission Commander Michael López-Alegrí, the Ax-3 crew, exclusively composed of European nationals – a world first, played pivotal roles in orchestrating the complex docking procedure. Italian Air Force pilot Walter Villadei and the diverse crew collaborated to ensure a flawless alignment and connection between the Dragon spacecraft and the ISS.

With the successful docking, the Ax-3 mission officially integrates with the ISS. The European crew, representing a spectrum of nationalities, is poised to transition from the spacecraft to the ISS environment. Here, they will engage in a series of experiments, contributing to the ongoing research conducted in the unique microgravity conditions of the ISS.

Turkiye Today’s Murad Ayalp contributed to this article

Source: AFP