UTAA - One More Step to the Moon

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01.02.2024

One More Step to the Moon

The 2nd Scientific Team Meeting of the National Moon Project was Held At Our University

University of Turkish Aeronautical Association hosted an event of critical importance towards achieving Türkiye's big goals in space.

"The 2nd Scientific Working Team Meeting of Türkiye's Lunar Mission", organized by TÜBİTAK-UZAY within the scope of the Turkish Space Agency's (TUA) Lunar Research Program, was held at our University between 30-31 January 2024 with international participation. The first meeting was successfully completed on June 6, 2023, and was hosted by Istanbul University.

The event started with the opening speeches of our rector Prof. Dr. Rahmi Er, Department head of TUA Space Systems and Spacecrafts Ali Baygeldi, and TÜBİTAK-UZAY Institute Director Mehmet Nefes. The presentations of international participants such as Stas Barabash from the Swedish Space Physics Institute, Özgür Karatekin and Ping Zhu from the Royal Belgian Observatory, and Behçet Alpat from IRADETS revealed Türkiye's active role in international cooperation and scientific studies in this field.

In this meeting, sessions were held about the Moon observation cameras and various scientific measurement devices installed as scientific payload on the AYAP-1 satellite. By hosting this important scientific event, University of Turkish Aeronautical Association contributed to an important platform for scientists, researchers and students.

Türkiye’s aim to make a hard landing on the Moon through this project is supported with the aim to develop independent research and exploration capacity in space by using local and national Technologies. In the second phase of the project, the mission will be completed with a soft landing on the Moon and data collection with a rover.

Türkiye's Moon mission, supported by international collaborations and scientific studies, clearly demonstrates our country's capabilities and its vision in the field of space to the whole world. This mission and these events provide a source of inspiration for future generations and strengthen Türkiye's place in space.