As TÜBİTAK UZAY, we took part in TEKNOFEST TRNC 2025, held from May 1–4, 2025, at the Old Ercan Airport in Nicosia, the capital of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Throughout the festival, the TÜBİTAK tent attracted strong interest from participants of all ages and backgrounds—from children to youth, educators to technology enthusiasts. We had the opportunity to share Türkiye’s key space technology projects with our visitors.
Satellite Model Workshops Attracted Great InterestöGreat Interest in the Lyesördu
The TÜBİTAK tent became one of the most popular spots at the event. In our satellite model workshops organized for Türkiye’s first indigenously developed communication satellite TÜRKSAT 6A and the sub-meter resolution Earth observation satellite İMECE, participants learned about how these satellites function and had the chance to design their own models.
These workshops, which were especially crowded with young visitors, made a meaningful contribution to increasing awareness of space.
Türkiye’s Lunar Mission Spacecraft Model Showcased for the First Time
Alongside TÜRKSAT 6A, the one-third scale model of the lunar mission spacecraft developed under Türkiye’s Lunar Research Program was also on display in front of the TÜBİTAK tent. This spacecraft model, unveiled to the public for the first time, represents Türkiye’s ambition to land on the Moon. Visitors had the opportunity to explore the mission in detail through informative displays.
Manned Space Mission Presented in the Space Tent
The Space Tent set up within the festival area drew attention with its comprehensive content on Türkiye’s manned space mission. The tent featured exhibits providing information about the training, mission processes, and scientific experiments of Türkiye’s first astronauts. Visitors not only gained knowledge here but also enjoyed a virtual space mission experience through the “Astronaut Game” we installed inside the tent. At the end of the game, participants received printed photos of themselves taken during the experience as souvenirs.
Türkiye’s Astronauts Met with Youth
As part of the festival, Türkiye’s first astronauts, Alper Gezeravcı and Tuva Cihangir Atasever, also met with attendees. They shared their experiences with young visitors, answered questions about space, and were welcomed with great enthusiasm. Attendees had the chance to meet the astronauts and receive autographs. For many young people, this encounter served as a powerful source of inspiration for the future.
As TÜBİTAK UZAY, we were honored to participate in TEKNOFEST TRNC and to share our work in the space field with our fellow citizens in Cyprus. We sincerely thank all participants for their enthusiastic interest in our booth and events throughout the festival.
