Turkish Space Adventure

43-year-old fighter pilot Alper Gezeravcı will take off from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in the United States (USA) towards the International Space Station (ISS) for a 14-day mission.

A Swede, an Italian and a Spanish astronaut will also be on board the special shuttle operated by Axiom.

Turkey's first astronaut Alper Gezeravcı will carry out 13 different scientific experiments prepared by universities and research institutions on the International Space Station (ISS) for 14 days.

What experiments will Alper Gezeravcı perform?

* In the statement made by the Ministry of Industry and Technology, the following information was shared about the experiments that Gezeravcı will conduct:

* The study of producing high-strength alloys resistant to high temperatures with the UYNA experiment developed by TÜBİTAK Marmara Research Center (MAM) will be carried out using ELF in the KIBO module. The effects of a non-gravity environment on properties such as thermophysical and crystal growth during melting and solidification processes will be investigated. This is aimed to make a significant contribution to Turkey's ability to develop new generation materials for the space, aviation and defense industry.

* With the second project gMETAL experiment developed by TÜBİTAK MAM, the effect of gravity on the creation of a homogeneous mixture between solid particles and fluid medium under chemically inert conditions will be investigated. Thus, the propulsion systems of spacecraft will be made more efficient.

* With the Expert experiment developed by Boğaziçi University, the growth and endurance tests of microalgae species adapted to harsh conditions in the world under non-gravity conditions, examination of their metabolic changes, determination of carbon dioxide (CO2) capture performances and oxygen (O2) production abilities were carried out with life support partner TÜBİTAK MAM. The aim is to develop the system.

With the EXTREMOPHYTE experiment developed by Ege University, the transcriptome of A. thaliana and S. parvula plants grown in space and on earth and exposed to salt stress was revealed by next-generation sequencing (RNA-seq) and some physiological and molecular responses of glycophytic and halophytic plants to salt stress were investigated in microgravity. comparison is planned.

* The METABOLOM research conducted by Ankara University aims to reveal the negative effects of space conditions on human health. In order to reduce these negative effects, it is envisaged to examine the physiological and biochemical changes in the gene expression and metabolism of the astronaut participating in the space mission under the influence of space environment conditions. The study aims to provide new information in understanding the possible risk factors for the health of space travelers through system-wide changes in the body. It is also thought that the study may be useful in developing new treatments and preventive measures for diseases existing in the world.

* The MYELOID experiment developed by Hacettepe University aims to measure and evaluate the travel and space conditions that space mission participants will be exposed to and the cosmic radiation damage immunologically at the level of 'myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MSKD)'.

* With the MIYOKA experiment carried out by TÜBİTAK UZAY, the first Turkish space traveler will assemble lead-free components on the electronic board at the station. "The electronic cards that will be brought to the world after the space mission will be subjected to detailed examination by TÜBİTAK UZAY, and the effects of microgravity on the lead-free soldering process will be reported for the use of the scientific world."

Emphasizing the symbolic weight of her mission, Alper Gezeravcı said that she was ready to "carry the dreams of the Turkish people into the depths of space."

We celebrated my accomplishment of this important duty with a game. We wish you success in your mission, Alper Gezeravcı.