Minister Kacir announces date for 2nd Turkish astronaut’s launch into space

Minister of Industry and Technology Kacir announces that the suborbital research flight of the second astronaut Tuva Cihangir Atasever will take place on June 8, 2024, from the Spaceport facilities in New Mexico, U.S.

The Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacir announced that the second Turkish astronaut after Alper Gezeravci Tuva Cihangir Atasever, will perform a suborbital research flight on June 8, 2024, from the Spaceport facilities in New Mexico, U.S.

The minister issued a significant statement concerning Türkiye’s space endeavors.

According to this information, the second astronaut, Atasever, will conduct a suborbital research mission under the agreements established within Türkiye’s space program.

This flight will significantly benefit scientific research in microgravity environments.

Kacir stressed the commitment to diligently strive for maximum benefits for Türkiye and its citizens from every investment and project.

The minister has declared that Atasever will be the second individual from our country to cross the space border and participate in scientific research in microgravity environments.

The Spaceport facilities in New Mexico, U.S., will host Atasever’s suborbital research flight on June 8, 2024.

Expressing his well wishes to Atasever, the minister said the Turkish country stands behind him with their support and prayers.

“After this suborbital research flight, we will continue our efforts toward the goals of our National Space Program. As a symbol of peace and collaboration, we will continue international collaboration in space in the upcoming period.

Four astronauts from the Action 3 Mission team will convene in Türkiye in early June as part of a global collaboration.

Türkiye’s first manned space mission

Türkiye’s first manned space mission occurred on January 19, 2024, with Alper Gezeravcİ.

Gezeravcİ became Türkiye’s first astronaut with the launch at Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39 in Florida, U.S., on January 19, 2024, within the Axiom Space company’s Axiom Mission 3.

With the Axiom-3 crew on board, the Dragon spacecraft departed from the International Space Station on February 7, 2024, and successfully touched the Atlantic Ocean on February 9, 2024.

The return journey to Earth lasted approximately two days. Gezeravci and the other astronauts successfully brought back to Earth a cargo weighing around 250 kilograms. This cargo comprises various materials and NASA equipment, all of which were used in 30 experiments.

Source: Newsroom