ITU Vefa Aviation Team soars to victory at Spaceport America Cup 2024

The Istanbul Technical University’s (ITU) Vefa Aviation Team has achieved a remarkable victory at the Spaceport America Cup 2024 rocket competition in the United States, winning first place.

The ITU Vefa Aviation Team, established in 2018 at the Vefa Dormitory and named after it, represented Türkiye at the world’s largest rocket engineering competition and emerged as the world champion.

The team stated on a social media platform, “We are happy and proud. We wholeheartedly congratulate all our students and educators.”

Minister Kacir’s congratulations

Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacir also extended his congratulations to the team via his social media account. He said, “Our rocketeers from Türkiye are champions. The ITU Vefa Team won first place in the 10,000 feet category at the Spaceport America Cup rocket competition, which saw participation from 152 teams from 20 countries. They outperformed universities like Princeton, Stanford, and George Washington. I wholeheartedly congratulate the ITU Vefa Team.”

Teknofest generation

Head of the Presidency of Defense Industries Haluk Gorgun also praised the team, stating, “The Teknofest generation continues to fulfill its potential and make history with the National Technology Move. I sincerely congratulate our young brothers and sisters who make us proud with their achievements.”

Selcuk Bayraktar, chairman of Baykar’s Board of Directors, also congratulated the ITU Vefa Aviation Team via his social media account, saying, “You are legends. Congratulations … From roots to skies. Teknofest generation.”

The official social media account of Teknofest also congratulated the ITU Vefa Aviation Team, highlighting that they are among the Teknofest champions.