15.04.2025 15:11
For the first time in history, an all-female space crew launched into space aboard Blue Origin's "New Shepard" vehicle. Along with this crew, Turkish scientist Canan Dağdeviren's wearable ultrasound device was also sent to space. Dağdeviren stated, "This is a beginning. I dedicate the technology we have invented to all living beings who have suffered injustice and oppression; you are not alone. Yes, 'The future is in the skies.'"
Blue Origin's "New Shepard" vehicle made history by launching into space with an all-female crew. The spacecraft, launched from Texas, USA, included Jeff Bezos's fiancée, former journalist Lauren Sanchez, singer Katy Perry, journalist Gayle King, former NASA rocket scientist Aisha Bowe, scientist Amanda Nguyen, and filmmaker Kerianne Flynn. The journey, conducted as part of the NS-31 mission with the rocket named "New Shepard," lasted 10 minutes. The spacecraft then successfully returned to Earth.
TURKISH SIGNATURE IN HISTORIC SPACE JOURNEY
In this historic journey, a scientist from Turkey also participated indirectly. Canan Dağdeviren, an associate professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), contributed to this achievement by sending her developed wearable ultrasound device to space. Dağdeviren prepared the electronic bra she designed for the early detection of breast cancer to be tested in the space environment. The device was inspired by her aunt, who was diagnosed with late-stage breast cancer despite regular screenings and passed away shortly after. Dağdeviren was included in BBC's list of inspiring women for the year 2023.
"THIS IS A BEGINNING"
In a post titled "Let it be noted in history" on her official social media account, Dağdeviren stated, "Today is April 14, 2025. As an individual educated in the system of the Atatürk Republic, which is equal for everyone, I sent my wearable ultrasound device, which I started working on years ago, to space— for the first time with an all-female crew in history. This is a beginning. My ancestors, who set out from Sivas, were the protectors of the unprotected in the Republic. I dedicate the technology we invented to all living beings who have suffered injustice and oppression; you are not alone. Your struggle will continue to shine like stars and guide the way. Yes, 'The future is in the skies.'"