Umut Yıldız, who continued his research in a private space company after returning to Turkey and taught “Space Technologies” at the Middle East Technical University (METU), evaluated his years at the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the developments in space technologies.
Explaining that his interest in space science began in childhood, Yıldız said, “I remember myself as a 'science-mad' child. I collected encyclopedias with coupons and read them. I was not interested in social sciences at all. My interest in science started in my elementary school years, and then I had to develop. “If I wanted, he would say, 'This is how I found myself.' Even as a child, I memorized the names of all the stars,” he said.
The work that opened the doors to NASA
Yıldız explained that he completed his PhD in the Netherlands after studying astronomy in Turkey, and stressed that his work on the origin of the oxygen molecule in the world opened the doors of NASA for him.
Dr. Yıldız said, “There is an oxygen molecule that we breathe, but where does it come from? We have been working to investigate this question. A teacher from NASA had an observation made by the Herschel Space Telescope. He gave me this observation. Because I knew it.” My teacher said, “You know these places, look if there are oxygen molecules there,” he said. “We did not find any oxygen molecules in this observation. That was a big disappointment.” Since there are no oxygen molecules, it means that we have data that no oxygen molecules were formed during the formation of stars.” sent and there is no such plan yet. That is why we made an article out of it. he said.
Yıldız explained that after this research, he started working as an astrophysicist at NASA and participated in various projects:
“During my first six and a half years at NASA, I worked with a telescope in Arizona. This telescope was used to study molecular clouds containing newly formed stars. However, due to technical problems with the telescope, we were unable to work efficiently. At least 30 megapixels of the 64 megapixel camera were defective. Later, I worked on an aircraft telescope called “Sofia”. This telescope was mounted on the back of a Boeing 737. Sofia was located in California's northern hemisphere and New Zealand in the southern hemisphere at different times of the year. In another project, I worked on frequency allocations for new spacecraft, which involved allocating certain frequencies for communication with vehicles sent to Mars or elsewhere, as this could interfere with the frequencies of other missions. So a special unit at NASA made these frequency allocations and I worked in that unit.”
“I saw that important work can also be done in the space field in Turkey.”
Stating that the pandemic had a particularly effective impact on his decision to return to Turkey after serving at the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration for 10 years, Yıldız said that with the introduction of the remote work system, his work had become similar and routine, and that the situation worried him.
Yıldız stated that during this process he met a private space company based in Turkey and had the opportunity to work there and continued:
“I have seen that important work can be done in the space field in Turkey. Turkey is not zero in the space field, but it is not a very advanced country either. Türksat satellites, TÜBİTAK and some public institutions have been launched since 1994. However, we are not yet at the level we should reach in terms of speeding things up, especially in the United States. I am trying to be successful in Turkey, especially among young people who write to me. However, they are under pressure from the environment in university selection and give up pursuing a career in this field. Therefore, people with experience in space should motivate and encourage young people to continue. This will increase their potential and employment opportunities. “I hope to contribute more to this issue and I am working in this direction.”
DR. Umut Yıldız stated that the number of Turkish scientists at NASA, where more than 20,000 people work, is lower than in other countries and that this situation also affects lobbying activities.
Stating that there were about seven to eight Turks in the laboratory where he worked and two of these people were professors who had been working there for about 30 years, Yıldız said, “There were especially more Asians, Iranians, Italians and Spaniards.” We enabled them to advance to certain positions faster. However, we did not have intensive lobbying like other groups, so even if they stayed abroad, they can support Turkey. However, it was important for me to return to Turkey and contribute to the space studies here. I am currently communicating with Turkish scientists in America and Europe and ensuring that they contribute to the successful work of our friends there. “It is of great importance for Turkey as well,” he said.
Turkey’s future in space
Emphasizing that Turkey has great potential in space research and that young people in particular can do important work in the field, Yıldız said, “We will see incredible projects related to space in Turkey and all over the world in the future. Especially with Space X and Falcon 9 rocket, access to space has already become cheaper. Friends, follow the tests.” Well done, especially those of high school age… I estimate that in the next 5 years we will be able to send satellites into orbit. Maybe in 10 years we will all have the opportunity to look down and this will become one of the most normal things in life,” he said.
DR. Yıldız gave the following advice to young people interested in space science:
“The space sector is growing rapidly, and not only NASA but also private companies are doing great work in this field. There will be many opportunities for today's young people to work in the future. I hope a similar system will be built in Turkey.” Turkey's space sector currently consists of a small community, but I believe it will grow in the future. First, it is very important to have a good command of the language instead of relying on translation tools. When you go to university, make sure your GPA is at least 3.0. Also, don't just focus on courses, join clubs and do projects. It is very important to actively participate in projects and gain practical experience. The jury of the Anatolian Rover Challenge competition and all the teams that made it to the finals took experience in projects into account in addition to course grades when recruiting companies to participate in projects.
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