Axiom Space Partners with Virgin Galactic to Send Second Turkish Astronaut to Space

Axiom Space has partnered with Virgin Galactic to send Axiom Mission 3 (Ax-3) backup and Turkish Space Agency (TUA) astronaut Tuva Atasever on a suborbital flight on June 8 to conduct microgravity research.

Atasever, a 31-year-old engineer, is set to become the second Turkish astronaut in his nation’s history, when he participates in the Galactic 07 flight to expand Türkiye’s endeavors in space. In partnership with TÜBITAK UZAY, the suborbital flight will serve as an opportunity to collect more biomedical data for three research studies that were previously conducted on Ax-3, including studies that could potentially impact future human spaceflight missions. In addition, Axiom Space is sending its own research payload on Galactic 07 to study insulin dose dispensation in microgravity.

“I look forward to continuing Türkiye’s human space exploration efforts on the Galactic 07 flight,” said Atasever. “With seven different scientific investigations that will be conducted in collaboration with national and international partners, we will make important contributions toward space research in Türkiye. I am honored for this opportunity to play a role in my country’s human spaceflight program and inspire younger generations to pursue even more ambitious dreams.”

Axiom Space signed a contract with Türkiye to send its first-ever astronaut, Alper Gezeravcı, to space during Ax-3, which was part of a larger effort to establish the country’s national human spaceflight program. Following the Ax-3 mission, the Galactic 07 flight is the next phase of Axiom Space’s agreement with Türkiye to support its initiatives in space.

“Axiom Space’s commitment to enabling access to space through exclusive spaceflight and research opportunities is exemplified by our partnership with Virgin Galactic,” said Tejpaul Bhatia, chief revenue officer of Axiom Space. “The upcoming Galactic 07 flight underscores how commercial entities and nations like Türkiye can unite to leverage unique opportunities to explore the benefits of microgravity while building a foundation to cultivate a thriving low-Earth orbit economy.”

Atasever will conduct seven experiments as part of the Galactic 07 mission. Three of those will take place in-flight with payloads embedded in his custom-built flight suit. One of the studies will help understand the changes in intracranial pressure and its effect on human visual acuity through a headgear with brain activity monitoring sensors. The second will use a dosimeter to measure Atasever’s ionizing radiation exposure. And finally, Atasever will test insulin pen effectiveness in microgravity by dispensing doses into a collection container within his flight suit.

Atasever will also participate in four human physiology research investigations that will be carried out by Turkish researchers on the ground. This research will help identify epigenetic and immune system responses, metabolic alterations, myeloid-derived suppressor cell behaviors, and extracellular vesicle changes during suborbital spaceflight.

Click here for more information on the Galactic 07 research.