Exemplary cooperation for Turkey's 'space target'

Izmir University of Economics (IUE) and Turkish Space Agency (TUA) collaborated to carry out joint studies in line with our country's National Space Program. Speaking at the protocol signing ceremony, TUA President Serdar Hüseyin Yıldırım stated that they are working hard to achieve Turkey's space goals. Yıldırım said, “The National Space Program, which we announced to the world, attracts great attention abroad. The idea is that a very nice, harmonious, and grounded program has been created. Nobody, to whom we told our program, did not say, 'Turkey cannot do this'. We will continue to work with determination to reach the goal.”

Izmir University of Economics and Turkish Space Agency joined forces to produce joint projects especially in the field of aviation and space technologies. The protocol regarding the cooperation between the two institutions, which will be valid for 5 years, was signed by IUE Rector Prof. Dr. Murat Aşkar and TUA President Serdar Hüseyin Yıldırım. IUE Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Levent Eren and Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Kentmen Çin, TUA Vice President Salih Metin Kibar, IUE Faculty of Engineering Dean Prof. Dr. Yaşar Güneri Şahin, Asst. Prof. Dr. Fabrizio Pinto, Faculty Member from IUE Department of Aerospace Engineering, academics and students attended the signing ceremony held at IUE's campus in Balçova. President Yıldırım sincerely answered the questions of the students, and made statements on many subjects, including what he experienced during his university years and his future goals.

IUE'S TECHNOLOGICAL FACILITIES WILL BE USED

IUE will produce projects in the field of aviation and space technology by using all the technology and infrastructure opportunities it has within the scope of cooperation that will set an example for Turkey. R&D studies will be carried out by IUE academics, and the reports will be submitted to TUA. The special team to be established within IUE will immediately start working on any subject requested by TUA. IUE will contribute to Turkey’s development in the field of space by fulfilling its consultancy duty in the projects that the Turkish Space Agency plans to implement.

WE HAVE TO TAKE OUR PART IN SPACE

TUA President Serdar Hüseyin Yıldırım stated that space is an indispensable field today. Yıldırım said, “We must realize Turkey's space goals. Because we must exist in this field. In the coming years, it would be appropriate to say, 'Those who are not in space will not have a say in the world'. We are also working with this consciousness. Our 'National Space Program' was announced to the world by President Erdoğan on February 9. I can clearly say that it attracts a lot of attention in the world. I made many visits abroad during the pandemic. I recently had the opportunity to tell the world about our National Space Program in Russia. Few countries are ahead in space. They can independently do everything related to space. Other countries are also trying to reach this level. The National Space Program we announced attracted a lot of attention especially in these countries.”

THERE IS A SELECT STAFF AT IUE

President Yıldırım continued as follows: “After presenting the National Space Program in the international arena, many countries entered the race to emulate our program. They stated that we announced a very nice, harmonious, and grounded program. No one abroad was able to say, "Turkey cannot do accomplish this". There were also many countries that said they wanted to work together. Everything to be done about space is very important in our country. We value everything and every idea that is in line with our national space strategy. There is also a reason why we chose Izmir University of Economics. The Rector is a person who makes a great effort in this field, has serious experience and is aware of what happens in space. In addition, there is a select faculty. These are very important elements for us. We look forward to working closely with IUE.”

THE PROTOCOL HAS A SPECIAL IMPORTANCE TO ME

IUE Rector Prof. Dr. Murat Aşkar stated that they attach great importance to the cooperation with TUA. Prof. Dr. Aşkar said, “This protocol ceremony is very important for me. I was the director of the Information Technologies and Electronics Research Institute in the METU campus between 1994-2002. Considering that our country is in a critical geography, we prepared feasibility reports that we need an observation satellite. We applied to the State Planning Organization, as it was then called, and received a Treasury-guaranteed $13 million support for the construction and launch of a low-altitude satellite. As I came to the protocol ceremony, I remembered what I had experienced in those days. Over the years, Turkey has expanded its goals in the field of space, drawing a vision for itself.”

WE MUST SUPPORT

Prof. Dr. Aşkar continued as follows: “The determined work of our country in the field of space has reached the point of announcing the National Space Program to the world. While every work to be done in the field of space is very important, it was unthinkable that we, as a university, would not contribute. The space, aviation and satellite projects began to be addressed with a more comprehensive perspective with the establishment of Turkish Space Agency in 2018. As a faculty member who spent a lot of time on satellite projects once, I am proud of the progress our country has made in this regard, and I congratulate my colleagues for their efforts. I wish that the cooperation we will start with the Turkish Space Agency will be beneficial for our country and nation.”