On January 19, 2024, the Turkish Minister of Industry and Technology, Mr. Mehmet Fatih Kacır, visited Houston after the spacecraft carrying Turkey's first astronaut, Mr. Alper Gezeravcı, was launched to the International Space Station (ISS) on January 18. During his visit, Minister Kacır engaged in discussions with Vanessa Wyche, the Director of NASA Johnson Space Center.

The launch of Gezeravcı to the ISS is marked as a significant milestone in Turkey's space exploration and research endeavors. Following this event, Minister Kacır, during his visit to NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston, highlighted Turkey's advancements in space and technology and explored collaboration opportunities.

Additionally, it was noted that Minister Kacır held talks with top-level officials of Axiom Space Company. These discussions are considered crucial in evaluating potential partners and projects in Turkey's space sector.

In a statement after his visit, Minister Kacır expressed the commitment to continue efforts to enhance Turkey's developments in space technologies and strengthen international collaborations. He emphasized that similar visits would be pursued to foster partnerships in the international space community.

This visit is seen as a significant step for Turkey to bolster its space agenda and increase cooperation on the global stage.