Turkish astronaut Alper Gezeravcı, along with three international crewmates, successfully blasted off on Thursday in a historic mission that will see him become the first Turkish citizen to reach the International Space Station (ISS).

The launch marks a significant milestone for Türkiye's burgeoning space program and has been dubbed a "dream come true" by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

The Falcon 9 rocket, carrying the Axiom Mission 3 (Ax-3) crew, lifted off as planned at 00:49 (03:00 GMT) from Cape Canaveral, Florida, by private space exploration firm SpaceX. Joining Gezeravcı on the voyage are space travelers from Spain, Italy, and Sweden, who will collaborate on over 30 scientific experiments and demonstrations onboard the ISS.

The Ax-3 crew boasts extensive experience, with all members being qualified military pilots. They are guided by veteran NASA astronaut Michael Lopez-Alegria, who now works for Axiom Space, the company responsible for the launch. The capsule is expected to dock with the ISS on Saturday, after which the crew will embark on a two-week stay filled with scientific research and space exploration.

President Erdoğan expressed his national pride and hailed the mission as a historic moment for Türkiye. In a video message, he declared, "We are taking a step into the second century of our Republic, the Century of Türkiye, with the manned space mission we have undertaken for the first time." He emphasized the extensive training and preparation undergone by Gezeravcı and highlighted the significance of this mission for Türkiye's National Space Program.

During his 14-day stay on the ISS, Gezeravcı will conduct 13 experiments specifically designed by Turkish scientists. The Ax-3 mission also features international collaboration, with the crew representing the United States, Spain, Italy, Sweden, and the European Space Agency. They will carry symbolic objects from their respective countries, adding a touch of cultural exchange to the scientific endeavor.

The crew's arrival on the ISS will be greeted by a diverse team of astronauts and cosmonauts, including two Americans from NASA, one astronaut each from Japan and Denmark, and three Russian cosmonauts. This multinational collaboration further underlines the shared spirit of exploration and scientific advancement that drives space missions like Ax-3.

Gezeravcı's journey to the ISS marks a significant leap forward for Türkiye's space program and inspires future generations to reach for the stars. The mission also underscores the power of international cooperation in pushing the boundaries of human knowledge and exploration. As the crew settles into their temporary home on the ISS, the world watches with anticipation as they conduct their research and experience the wonders of space firsthand. (ILKHA)