NEWS

The “National Space Program” event, held at İstanbul Nişantaşı University’s NeoTech Campus, was organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry and Technology, the Turkish Space Agency, the T3 Foundation, Department of Health, Culture and Sports, our Faculty of Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences, and our university’s Teknofest Club. The event featured Tuva Cihangir Atasever, one of the first Turkish astronauts sent to space by the Turkish Space Agency, as the guest speaker. The event garnered significant interest, with Atasever sharing his experiences in space exploration and insights into the astronaut slction and training process.

In his speech, Atasever highlighted the role of the International Space Station (ISS) as a scientific laboratory, emphasizing the importance of organizing experimental equipment and the critical nature of emergency response training. He provided detailed information on managing key emergency scenarios faced by astronauts, including fire, atmospheric pressure loss, and ammonia leaks.

Atasever recounted his personal experiences during space missions, describing the chalenges of microgravity conditions and the extensive survival and flight preparation training undertaken. He also offered a unique perspective on the sensations of reduced gravity, the excitement of exiting Earth’s atmosphere, and the transition to the vastness of space.

Discussing the Turkish Space Agency’s 10 key objectives, Atasever spoke about global space initiatives, plans to establish habitats on the Moon and Mars, and the broader global exploration roadmap. He emphasized that humanity’s ultimate goal is to create a habitat on Mars, driven by an innate sense of curiosity and the historical urge to explore.

In response to a question about astronaut slction, Atasever explained that while a military background was historicaly required, today civilians also play a significant role in space operations.

The event concluded with a certificate of appreciation and flowers presented to Tuva Cihangir Atasever.