Turkey's Moon Mission Goal Announced at Salda Science Center Opening
With the participation of Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır, the Salda Science Center and MAKÜ National Technology Workshop entered service in Burdur.
During the ceremony held with the participation of Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır, Turkey's national space target was announced, and the Salda Science Center and the Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University National Technology Workshop were officially opened.
Opening Ceremony Held
Burdur hosted an important program in terms of science, technology, and space research, celebrating the opening of new facilities. With the participation of Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır, the Salda Science Center and the Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University (MAKÜ) National Technology Workshop were opened to service with a ceremony.
The opening program was attended by Burdur Governor Tülay Baydar Bilgihan, TÜBİTAK President Prof. Dr. Orhan Aydın, MAKÜ Rector Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Dalgar, academics, students, and many guests.
International Participation and Visits
Turkish astronauts Alper Gezeravcı, Tuva Cihangir Atasever, and Gökhan Erdem, along with international astronauts who came to Turkey within the scope of the 77th International Astronautical Congress, also participated in the ceremony.
The astronauts, who were in Turkey on the occasion of the congress in Antalya, visited Lake Salda, which is described as the earthly counterpart of Mars.
Lake Salda and Its Scientific Importance
Minister Kacır stated that Lake Salda has geological formations and carbonate minerals similar to the Jezero Crater on Mars. It was emphasized that the lake serves as a natural laboratory for researching Mars' past and potential traces of life with its landforms.
2027 Space Target
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır touched upon Turkey's space studies within the scope of the National Technology Move. It was announced that the spacecraft developed with national capabilities is planned to be sent into space in the early months of 2027 to conduct scientific research in lunar orbit.
Features of Salda Science Center
Serving as Turkey's 45th science center, the Salda Science Center was brought to life with 30 million liras of support provided by TÜBİTAK. The center houses the "Facing Mars" exhibition, a rocket exhibition, and the "Beyond the Horizon" workshop.
MAKÜ National Technology Workshop
Established with support provided by TÜBİTAK for a three-year period, the MAKÜ National Technology Workshop aims for young people to work in the fields of artificial intelligence, robotic systems, and design.
Protocol members speaking at the opening stated that such projects will increase young people's interest in space and aviation.