Ankara, Turkey: The nation is buzzing with anticipation as it braces for the launch of its first astronaut, Alper Gezeravci, on the Axion Mission 3. 

Scheduled to take place on Thursday, the launch is a spectacle, with specially installed planetariums in Ankara and Istanbul providing a live view of the historic event.

The Axion Mission 3, a private spaceflight, is poised to lift off from Cape Canaveral, Florida, just after midnight Bulgarian time, translating to 1:11 a.m. Turkish time. 

The nation, from ground station engineers to citizens in various cities, is ready to witness this monumental achievement.

Turkish space enthusiasts will not be limited to the capital cities, as the launch event will be streamed at science centres across the country, including Konya, Bursa, Antalya, Trabzon, and Kayseri. 

The government’s commitment to the space program is evident, with Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacir leading a delegation of scientists to the U.S. to witness the launch in person, as Turkish TV channel NTV reported.

This landmark moment is a realization of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s vision for Turkiye’s space program, which was unveiled in 2021. 

These efforts culminate with the historic space journey of Alper Gezeravci, born on December 2, 1979, in Silifke, Southern Turkey. 

Gezeravci, a former F-16 fighter pilot with an impressive 21-year service record in the Turkish Air Force, is poised to make the nation proud with his venture into the cosmos.

The significance of this achievement cannot be understated. With its rich history and cultural heritage, Turkiye is now etching its mark in the cosmos, joining the league of nations with the capability to send astronauts beyond Earth’s atmosphere. 

Gezeravci’s journey symbolizes the nation’s aerospace technology prowess and commitment to advancing scientific frontiers.

The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkiye will be pivotal in monitoring Gezeravci’s space journey. 

Ground station engineers and scientists are on high alert, ensuring that every aspect of the mission is executed flawlessly.

The eyes of the nation will be glued to screens, both in the planetariums and science centres, as they witness Turkiye’s inaugural venture into space.

As the countdown to the launch begins, the excitement is palpable. Turkiye is not just sending an astronaut into space; it sends a message of ambition, progress, and scientific achievement. 

Gezeravci’s name will be etched in the annals of Turkiye’s history as the trailblazer who ventured beyond the confines of our planet, opening a new chapter in the nation’s space odyssey.

The launch of Axion Mission 3 marks a significant step forward for Turkiye’s space program, paving the way for future missions and scientific endeavours. 

As the nation holds its breath in collective anticipation, one thing is sure – the sight of Alper Gezeravci soaring into the cosmic expanse will be eternally etched in the memories of every Turkish citizen, a testament to the nation’s indomitable spirit and its unwavering commitment to reaching for the stars.