Organized in collaboration with Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Department of Physics and, Türkiye Technology Team Foundation (T3 Foundation), the seminar titled “Uzayda Türkiye’nin Yükselen Ufku: Hibrit Roketlerden Uydu Teknolojilerine / The Rising Horizon of Türkiye in Space: From Hybrid Rockets to Space Technologies” was held with great success at the EMU Mustafa Afşin Ersoy Hall. The Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of the Fergani Space Technologies Inc. and, Koç University academic staff member Prof. Dr. Arif Karabeyoğlu attended the event as a guest speaker. The seminar held as part of the “National Technology Move: Space Vision”, attracted huge interest from EMU students and academicians.
Said event was attended by the Republic of Türkiye, Famagusta Consul General İlyas Çetin, EMU Acting Rector and Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Prof. Dr. Osman M. Karatepe, EMU Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Salih Katırcıoğlu and Prof. Dr. Ali Öztüren, Dean of EMU Faculty of Arts and Sciences Prof. Dr. Mehmet Ali Özarslan, Head of EMU Department of Physics Prof. Dr. İzzet Sakallı, academic and administrative personnel members, and students.
“A Reflection of EMU’s Research-Driven Vision”
In his opening remarks, EMU Acting Rector Prof. Dr. Osman M. Karatepe expressed his great pleasure in welcoming a prominent scientist who plays a leading role in shaping the field of space technologies in Türkiye. Prof. Dr. Karatepe noted that the presentation by Prof. Dr. Arif Karabeyoğlu, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer of Fergani Space Technologies Inc. and faculty member at Koç University, would not only showcase technological advancements, but also embody a nation’s aspiration to make its mark in the skies. Prof. Dr. Karatepe highlighted the significant progress Türkiye has made under the National Technology Initiative, particularly in strategic areas such as space exploration, hybrid rocket propulsion systems, and domestically developed satellite technologies. Prof. Dr. Karatepe emphasized that such scientific contributions reflect EMU’s commitment to a research-driven academic mission. Stressing that universities must serve not only as centers of knowledge but also as sources of inspiration that help shape the future, Prof. Dr. Karatepe underlined EMU’s responsibility to encourage students to engage in cutting-edge scientific fields. He concluded by extending his gratitude to Prof. Dr. Karabeyoğlu for his valuable contributions and expressed his hope that the seminar would provide enlightening perspectives for all participants.
The seminar explored key areas such as Türkiye’s national space programs, the development of indigenous rocket engines, orbital testing procedures, and cutting-edge satellite technologies. Prof. Dr. Arif Karabeyoğlu provided a thorough overview of the insights gained from hybrid rocket systems, advancements in eco-friendly propulsion methods, and ongoing research and development focused on domestically engineered space vehicles.
A distinguished member of prestigious international institutions like the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), Prof. Dr. Karabeyoğlu also assessed the current progress of Türkiye’s space industry and discussed strategic initiatives planned for the coming years.
At the end of the event, EMU Acting Rector Prof. Dr. Osman M. Karatepe presented Prof. Dr. Karabeyoğlu a silver plate. This significant event contributing to the scientific vision of EMU, served as an exciting sharing platform for the participants in the field of advance technology and space research.