Türkiye Can Claim Stronger Role in Global Space Ecosystem: First Astronaut
Date: October 04, 2026
Location: Sanliurfa, Türkiye
Brig. Gen. Alper Gezeravci, Türkiye’s first astronaut, emphasized the country’s potential to play a significant role in the global space ecosystem during his address at Teknofest, an aviation, space, and technology festival held in Sanliurfa. Gezeravci highlighted Türkiye’s industrial capabilities and infrastructure as key assets that can support a variety of space activities.
Gezeravci stated, “Türkiye’s facilities and industrial infrastructure are at a level that can make the country a stakeholder in every kind of space ecosystem.” He explained that the nation’s active involvement in projects is crucial to securing a relevant position within this ecosystem.
Inspiration for the Next Generation
The 2026 edition of Teknofest marks its ninth occurrence in Türkiye, attracting a younger audience, particularly from the Sanliurfa region. Gezeravci noted the festival’s role in connecting youth with advancements in defense, aviation, and space technologies.
He elaborated on the goal of inspiring young people: “Let a child come and touch an airplane.” This sentiment resonates with Gezeravci, who did not have the chance to engage with aviation until he was 18, despite now being Türkiye’s first participant in a human spaceflight mission.
By interacting with young attendees, the festival aims to generate interest in science, technology, and career opportunities within the aerospace sector.
A Step Toward Global Collaboration
Gezeravci also reflected on Türkiye’s evolving understanding of how its defense and aviation infrastructures can integrate into the broader space ecosystem. He expressed optimism about Türkiye’s first human space mission, as a means to collaborate with international partners and enhance the country’s capabilities beyond satellite technologies.
The upcoming 77th International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2026) in Antalya, scheduled for October 5-9, is seen as a vital platform for showcasing Türkiye’s accomplishments and building connections within the global aerospace community.
Gezeravci underscored the importance of institutional strengthening and international integration, stating that these efforts are essential for the future of Türkiye’s role in space exploration.
Future Prospects
With increasing interest and a high number of submissions from Turkish universities to the IAC, Gezeravci believes this momentum will lead to significant advancements in the sector, ultimately translating into industrial outputs. As Türkiye continues to develop its space strategies, the focus remains on fostering international partnerships and enhancing contributions to global space exploration.
