‘People have difficulty understanding how we can go to moon’

By Tugba Altun

BURSA, Türkiye (AA) – “People have difficulty understanding how we can go to the moon. It may seem difficult, but we've done it, and we will do it again,” retired NASA astronaut John Danny Olivas said.

Olivas and European Space Agency’s (ESA) Dutch astronaut Andre Kuipers, in an interview with Anadolu during the "Planetary Congress" organized at the Uludag Bursa Business School and hosted by the Space Explorers Association (ASE) and Gokmen Space and Aviation Training Center (GUHEM), shared their experiences and challenges in space.

“There is no possibility of changing the minds of those who believe we never went to the moon, that it was done in a Hollywood studio, or even that the Earth is flat,” Olivas said.

Regarding Türkiye’s efforts in the field of space programs, Olivas stated that the Turkish government should be appreciated for understanding the opportunities that space brings to countries.

Olivas mentioned that Turkish astronauts are currently preparing to go into space in a way that will inspire future generations of engineers and scientists.

He emphasized that this will benefit not only the space community but also the Turkish people in many aspects, such as science, infrastructure, technology, and capability development.

Olivas said looking at Earth from space and seeing that boundaries are only between land and water has a profound effect on him.

Sharing his experience, he said: “While on Earth, we create our own boundaries. We divide countries into states and cities. It is sad that these boundaries sometimes lead to people not listening to each other and causing crises. We want to focus more on our similarities than our differences. When we look from space to Earth, the only thing we see is animals, actually humans. When we see ourselves as members of the species of living beings, when we understand that we are all together on this planet, and when we realize that boundaries are just things we create in our minds, maybe we can succeed in working together in peace and harmony."

-View from space is breathtaking

Olivas pointed out that the view from space is breathtaking and changes one's perspective of life, saying he believed other people can also bring this feeling back home to their loved ones.

He stated that they are getting closer to a world where more people can go to space through space tourism and commercial space activities, and he believed the more people have the opportunity, the better life on Earth will be in terms of science, infrastructure, technology, and capability.

Olivas said that some people tend to fill the gaps caused by their lack of knowledge by explaining things, referring to the doubts of some people about whether humans have been to the moon. Saying he doesn't want to disrespect those who believe that humans have not been to the moon, he added: “People have difficulty understanding how we can go to the moon. It may seem difficult, but we've done it. That's why I prefer to be alongside those who choose to understand and appreciate science and technology. Just as they support us, I can support them as much as I can.”

- ‘Our planet is fragile and beautiful’

ESA astronaut Kuipers mentioned that he has been to Türkiye several times for vacation and this is his fourth visit for the Planetary Congress. He pointed out that Türkiye is now a part of the space family with its large population and technological advancements.

Kuipers also noted that Türkiye will soon send a Turkish astronaut into space in addition to its satellite activities in space. He stated that ASE's Planetary Congress is a great example of international collaboration for the benefit of the Earth, expressing his happiness that Türkiye is a part of it.

Kuipers said he wanted to become an astronaut because of the beauty of looking at Earth from space and the valuable work that can be done. He mentioned that going to space is amazing, but they also need to do many experiments through hard work.

Kuipers stated that he spent about 204 days in space during two missions and had the opportunity to enjoy looking at the beautiful planet.

He mentioned that they look at the universe and see many beautiful things, and they feel like a part of an international group. He emphasized the importance of taking care of Earth, which has limited resources, and said that being in space is very satisfying because they do excellent work in the fields of science and technology.

He also pointed out that they realized how fragile and beautiful the planet is and that they should take care of it. Kuipers said: “We are all friends and the same. We are all astronauts on the same spacecraft.”

Regarding people going to the moon, Kuipers pointed out that, like in many countries, those who are well-educated and understand how physics and chemistry work know the truth. He mentioned that there will always be people who don't believe in something and don't want to learn new things.

"There were also those who believed the Earth was flat, but you can learn that it's not. This has always been the case. It doesn't matter who went to space. Turkish astronauts going to space can also face questions like 'you're lying,' and unfortunately, we have to live with that," he added.

Kuipers mentioned that more people can go to space through commercial flights and space tourism, which can further elaborate the topic of space.

Kuipers stated that with years of training and accumulated knowledge, now everyone knows how the system works, and more people going to space can allow more individuals to see and talk about space, and it would be best if non-believers could witness it themselves.

- ‘Never give up’

Kuipers advised those who want to become astronauts, saying: “If you want to achieve something, if you have a passion, every child should strive for it. It doesn't matter what you're passionate about; it can be music, technology, science, or language. Do your best. Children should get regular sleep, eat healthy, perform well in school and classes, and exercise. All of these are very important. And never give up, try, if it doesn't work, try something else, but always try."

Kuipers also told those who want to work in the field of space to think about where they want to be in 10 years and what steps they need to take, emphasizing that the most important thing is not to give up.

*Writing by Alperen Aktas​​​​​​​