Astronauts in Antalya for the 77th International Astronautical Congress visited the Sand Sculpture Museum on Lara Beach. The astronauts, including Türkiye’s first astronaut, Brigadier General Alper Gezeravcı, examined the space-themed sculptures.
The astronauts later met with children at an event. During the gathering, attended by around 150 students, they answered the children’s questions about space; photographs were taken and autographs were signed at the end of the event.
Gezeravcı discusses the children’s questions
Brigadier General Alper Gezeravcı said the children had asked notable questions at the event. Gezeravcı said a question from a nine-year-old could be more advanced than questions expected from a 39-year-old adult.
Gezeravcı said the ideas formed in the children’s minds touched on today’s complex problems at an early age, adding that this made them happy. He also thanked the mothers and fathers who brought their children to the event.
Türkiye’s goal of reaching the Moon
Gezeravcı said that one of the 10 goals in the space program announced in February 2021 was the first crewed space mission. He said that mission had been completed and that work was continuing on the remaining nine goals.
Gezeravcı said concrete steps toward Türkiye’s goal of reaching the Moon had been shared with participants at the congress in Antalya, adding that Türkiye was advancing toward becoming the sixth country to reach Earth’s Moon.