Austria's first astronaut, Franz Viehböck, assessed Türkiye's work in space technologies during the 77th International Astronautical Congress in Antalya. Viehböck said he was impressed by the steps Türkiye has taken recently.
The congress, organized by the International Astronautical Federation, was held under the coordination of the Ministry of Industry and Technology, with the participation of the Turkish Space Agency and SAHA Istanbul. Astronauts, scientists, engineers and industry representatives from different countries came together at the event.
Major growth in space activities
Viehböck, the first Austrian to travel into space in 1991, said significant changes had taken place in the space sector over the more than 30 years since then.
Viehböck said that during his time in space, crewed missions and launches were less frequent, whereas many more people and satellites are now being sent into space. He said that launches carrying people or satellites taking place almost every few days demonstrate the growth of space activities.
His daughter's birth was his most unforgettable moment in space
Viehböck said the most unforgettable moment of his approximately eight-day space mission was the birth of his daughter, who was born a few hours after launch.
Viehböck said that on the fourth day of his mission, while he was aboard the space station, he received the first images of his daughter and that this was the most emotional event he experienced during the mission.
Missions to the Moon and Mars
Viehböck said he found plans for humanity to return to the Moon and send people to Mars exciting, adding that although the nature of space missions may change, the fundamental requirements of being an astronaut would remain largely the same.
Viehböck said he was impressed by what he heard from Türkiye's president and minister about Türkiye's space technologies and its development in the field. He said Turkish engineers working in space had great potential.
Viehböck said he had met some young engineers working in the space sector in Türkiye and described their work as a good example of the level countries can reach.
Call for young people to pursue careers in space
Viehböck called on young people in Türkiye to consider the space sector among their career options. He said space activities are not limited to becoming an astronaut, adding that specialists in engineering, science, medicine and biology also contribute to the field.
Viehböck said research on the Moon and Mars would create many opportunities for young people, adding that space is an exciting field offering broad possibilities for pursuing one's dreams.
