Azerbaijani youth reaches for stars with Türkiye’s first astronaut PHOTO

Türkiye’s first astronaut, Alper Gezeravcı, met with aspiring young space enthusiasts in Baku on April 24, during a special event hosted at the Azercosmos Space Academy.

The gathering aimed to ignite interest in astronautics among Azerbaijani youth and guide them toward future careers in space science and technology, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

In his address, Gezeravcı praised Azerbaijan’s rapid development and increasing prominence in the space sector. He emphasized the country’s emergence as a key regional player in science and innovation, noting, “Azerbaijan has become one of the important countries in the region in a short time and is gaining influence in the space sphere.”

The astronaut lauded the successful hosting of the International Astronautical Congress (IAC-2023) in Baku as a clear testament to Azerbaijan’s growing global standing in space sciences. “Such international initiatives are a clear indicator of the country's growing authority in the field of science and technology,” he said.

Gezeravcı also provided insight into Türkiye’s ambitious spaceport project, which is currently in development. “We have embarked on this project in order to achieve our space-related goals and realise our plans on the date we have set,” he explained, adding that the port would be strategically located near the equator to optimize launch capabilities. He noted that while satellite deployment is increasingly accessible financially, delays of up to 2.5 years are common due to launch schedules and logistical challenges.

Reflecting on his own experience, Gezeravcı shared details from his recent 14-day space mission, outlining the rigorous training, mental and physical preparation, and the psychological adaptations required to live in microgravity. He underscored the importance of resilience, teamwork, and determination in space travel, stating that scientific knowledge alone is not enough—aspiring astronauts must also possess unwavering will and passion.

He also highlighted the growing cooperation between Türkiye and Azerbaijan in science and technology, stressing that their joint initiatives are vital for advancing the region’s space potential. “This path is not easy, but with desire and patience, even seemingly impossible goals can be achieved,” he said.

Addressing the young audience directly, Gezeravcı encouraged them to dream big: “Every child dreams of flying into space. If you keep this dream and work to realise it, one day it may become a reality.” 

By Vafa Guliyeva