The “IV Space Camp,” organized by the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), was held at the “Space Camp Turkey” center in Izmir, Turkey, from August 23 to 29, 2026.
elchi reports that the camp was realized through the joint organization of the “ZEFER” Support for Martyrs’ Families Public Union and the COSMIC Academy operating under “Azercosmos,” with the partnership of “Azerbaijan Airlines” CJSC.
Ten members of martyrs’ families from various regions of Azerbaijan participated in the event. During the certification ceremony organized within the framework of the camp, OTS Secretary General Kubanychbek Omuraliev delivered a speech. The Secretary General expressed his gratitude to the institutions that supported the organization of the event and emphasized that this project has become an important platform that strengthens scientific cooperation and friendly relations among the young generations of the Turkic world.
The main goal of the “IV Space Camp” is to increase the interest of the young generation in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields and to support the development of their knowledge and skills in the direction of innovation and space technologies. Camp participants attended theoretical and practical training in space sciences, artificial intelligence, robotics, and advanced technologies, and had the opportunity to work with modern technological equipment.
One of the most memorable and inspiring moments of the camp was the meeting of the children of martyrs with the Azerbaijani-born Turkish astronaut Tuva Cihangir Atasever. The brotherly country’s second astronaut shared his rich space experience with the youth, inspiring them to conquer the peaks of the future. In addition to the meeting, during the weekly intensive program, participants took part in “Discovery” and “Aurora” simulated space missions and passed various tests on the “Hurricane 360 VR,” “RIOT 3D,” “Zero-G Wall,” “Multi-Axis Trainer,” and 1/6 gravity chair.
Participants also learned scientific experiments in Mars base design, rocket science and engineering, preparation of hot air balloons and pressurized rockets, human physiology in microgravity conditions, water circulation on the International Space Station, and the Hydroponics (soilless farming) laboratory. The youth, who conducted solar and night sky observations, mastered the intricacies of space sciences at the “Star Lab” planetarium.
It should be noted that this year’s program brought together a total of 65 students and 12 teachers from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey, Uzbekistan, and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. At the ceremony, Kubanychbek Omuraliev, drawing attention to the rich astronomy and scientific heritage of the Turkic world, called on the youth to build careers in STEM fields and become the scientists and engineers of the future. The OTS Secretary General also emphasized the growing role of space cooperation within the organization, noting the special importance of the “Joint Cube Satellite Project,” which carries the common vision of Turkic states in this field to a practical level.
Izmir Governor Süleyman Elban, TUA Chairman Yusuf Kıraç, OTS Secretary General Kubanychbek Omuraliev, ESBAŞ Deputy Chairman of the Board Dr. Faruk Güler, “Space Camp Turkey” Director Halime Büyükyüksel, as well as teachers and students, participated in the solemn certification ceremony organized at the end of the program.
Within the framework of the program, the youth participated in simulation-based space missions, performed tasks focused on teamwork, and became closely acquainted with the technologies of the future through interactive activities. At the same time, they developed communication and cooperation skills in an international environment, built new friendships, and formed a global mindset.
It was noted that this initiative, implemented by the COSMIC Academy, not only supports the development of children of martyrs’ families in the field of science and technology but also has a positive impact on their future career choices and creates motivation to achieve new successes in the fields of space and innovation.
The “IV Space Camp” makes a significant contribution to further strengthening the interest of participants in STEM directions, directing them to scientific research activities, and forming them as internationally competitive specialists in the future through the knowledge and experience gained. This initiative also serves to form national strategic human resources in accordance with Azerbaijan’s long-term development strategy in the fields of space, high technologies, and innovation, and to raise the scientists, engineers, and technology leaders of the future.