We are two space enthusiasts from Turkey who are preparing to attend the Space Generation Congress and International Astronautical Congress this year which will take place in Beijing, China.

Who are we?

We are from Turkey working/studying in the fields of Physics and Astronomy & Space Sciences. To give some details:

Ece

• Senior Bachelor Physics student at Adana Çukurova University, Turkey.
• A volunteer and the web editor of Space Generation Advisory Council.
• Working towards to be an astrophysicist.
• Working with group of students to promote Space Sciences in Turkey.

Aziz

• Studied BSc in Astronomy and Space Sciences Department in Erciyes University, Turkey.
• Current Regional Coordinator of Middle East Region at Space Generation Advisory Council.
• Volunteer in various Astronomy and Space groups/societies trying to promote Astronomy and Space in the country.
• Currently working as the Outreach Coordinator of Erciyes University Astronomy and Space Sciences Observatory, Applications and Research Centre.

To give some details about the events:

The Space Generation Congress (SGC) is the annual meeting of the Space Generation Advisory Council held in conjunction with the International Astronautical Congress. Participants are top university students and young professionals with a passion for space who are selected from among applicants from our Space Generation international network. With SGC, SGAC aims to hone and promote the voice of the next generation of space sector leaders on the topic of international space development.

The IAC is the one place and time of the year when all space actors come together. Global, multidisciplinary and covering all space sectors and topics, it offers everyone the latest space information, developments but above all contacts and potential partnerships. The 64rd International Astronautical Congress, on the theme "Promoting Space Development for the Benefit of Mankind”, and hosted by the Chinese Society of Astronautics (CSA), will take place in Beijing, China, between 23-27 September 2013.

Why We Would Like to Attend These Events?

We are members of Space Generation Advisory Council. SGC is a 3-day conference which gathers SGAC members and young space enthusiasts. As key members of the organization (Web Editor and Regional Coordinator) we are expected to be present at SGC (although not obligatory). SGAC is a non-profit non-governmental organisation. They offer a limited number of scholarships but it is always expected from members to also raise funding for themselves.

SGC is held in conjunction with the IAC. During IAC, we will be presenting a paper about CubeSATs. Our paper looks to the development of CubeSAT developments in developing countries such as Turkey. It willl be an oral presentation during 43rd Student Conference, Educational Pico and Nano Satellites session and we are expected to be there to present our paper.

Why is This Important for Us

Attendance to this congress will not only help us present our paper but also help us improve ourselves, learn more and also get in touch with the people and space leaders who are working in the same field.

We are just in the beginning of the road to successful careers. All these events help us get better in what we do, what we research and eventually will help us construct a better life in the light that we want it.

Any little amount will help us get there inch by inch. In addition to this campaign, we are also looking for some national funding resources. If we are  to find some local funding we are ready to allocate extra given support to other students in financial need to attend SGC and IAC.

Other Ways You Can Help

Beijing is almost 7200 km is away from. That means every dollar you donate for us will make us 1.2 km closer to Beijing. 

We know that not everyone can support us financially but helping the word spread, is also so important in that sense.

If you are not able to donate, help us spread the word via Facebook, Twitter G+, and so on...