Story | Global reach
From Türkiye to the stars and back: Helping TÜBİTAK achieve scientific success in space
Supporting scientific research in space
When it comes to advancing groundbreaking scientific research, every detail counts — especially when transporting priceless materials for experiments in space. World Courier, a Cencora company, had the honor of partnering with the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TÜBİTAK) to support an extraordinary mission: facilitating 13 innovative experiments aboard the International Space Station (ISS). This collaboration marked a pivotal moment in global science, space exploration, and Türkiye’s national space program.
“The main motivation behind Türkiye’s first manned space mission is to carry out research that will further advance the boundaries of our scientific studies,” said TÜBİTAK President Prof. Dr. Hasan Mandal. “I am delighted to come together with our Science Mission Team, which is behind the experiments that are to be carried out by Alper Gezeravcı, before the launch and share this excitement! I sincerely congratulate them for their work and the critical role they have played in this historic mission!”*
*TÜBİTAK: Türkiye's first astronaut Alper Gezeravci's Space Journey Begins. https://tubitak.gov.tr/en/news/turkiyes-first-astronaut-alper-gezeravcis-space-journey-begins
The need for precision logistics
TÜBİTAK’s ambitious project required the safe and precise transport of critical materials — including blood samples, seeds, and other research components — from multiple universities across Türkiye to the United States. These items weren’t just valuable; they were virtually irreplaceable. Meeting strict timelines and temperatures while safeguarding these materials through every step of their journey was absolutely essential. That’s why TÜBİTAK trusted our team, knowing our unmatched global network and expertise in customized logistics were a perfect fit for this mission.
From the very beginning, we worked closely with TÜBİTAK to create a tailored logistics plan that addressed every aspect of their needs. By taking a consultative approach, we were able to develop a solution that was not only cost-effective but also minimized risks to these precious samples. Our global reach gave TÜBİTAK the confidence that any destination — no matter how remote — was possible.
From the very beginning, we worked closely with TÜBİTAK to create a tailored logistics plan that addressed every aspect of their needs. By taking a consultative approach, we were able to develop a solution that was not only cost-effective but also minimized risks to these precious samples. Our global reach gave TÜBİTAK the confidence that any destination — no matter how remote — was possible.
To complete this mission, World Courier transported the research materials from Istanbul, Türkiye, to Miami, Florida, by plane. The samples were then loaded onto a spacecraft and launched up to the International Space Station. After research was completed, the materials were shuttled down to Houston, Texas, and World Courier took them by plane back to Istanbul, maintaining precise temperatures for the duration.
“TÜBİTAK officials reached out to me directly, as we had some discussions with other TÜBİTAK divisions in the past,” said Turgay Dogru, Sales Manager, World Courier Turkey. “First contact was almost a year before the first shipment, and we had monthly meetings at the beginning, which turned to weekly closer to launch date. They knew what they needed, but they had no idea how to make it happen.”
To protect these invaluable items, we used innovative tools like our global thermal containers, which are specially designed to maintain precise temperatures throughout transit. Whether refrigerated or deep-frozen, these containers ensured that every sample was handled with care — from Türkiye to Miami and, after their space journey, from Houston back to Istanbul. We also incorporated real-time location monitoring, giving TÜBİTAK full visibility of their shipments every step of the way through our customer portal. This technology provided peace of mind that their materials were always safe and on track.
Of course, even the best plans can encounter challenges. When weather conditions delayed the samples’ return from space, our team was ready. We remained on standby to ensure the samples were moved as soon as it was safe, and once they cleared customs in Istanbul, we facilitated immediate inspections by TÜBİTAK’s scientists to maintain the project’s momentum.
Of course, even the best plans can encounter challenges. When weather conditions delayed the samples’ return from space, our team was ready. We remained on standby to ensure the samples were moved as soon as it was safe, and once they cleared customs in Istanbul, we facilitated immediate inspections by TÜBİTAK’s scientists to maintain the project’s momentum.
“After everything arrived back in our Istanbul facility, TÜBİTAK officials joined us to split the experimental materials according to the participating universities’ needs,” said Dogru. “During that visit, they were deeply grateful and expressed very clearly that they could not have done the experiment without World Courier. They presented me with an original mission patch as a token of their appreciation. On the patch, it states ‘Türkiye's first manned space mission.’”
Presented with gratitude to Turgay Dogru, Sales Manager, World Courier Turkey, this commemorative mission patch reads, “Türkiye's first manned space mission.”
A successful mission
Thanks to careful planning, unwavering commitment, and close attention to detail, every shipment arrived on time and in perfect condition. By successfully supporting Türkiye’s space exploration efforts, we not only helped advance cutting-edge scientific research but also set new standards for logistics that are literally out of this world.
At Cencora, we’re proud to play a role in turning ambitious dreams into reality by leveraging our global reach. From Türkiye to the stars and back, we’re here to support the innovations that shape our world — and beyond.
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The benefits are multifaceted; we help ensure patients have timely access to medications, offer reliable and efficient supply chain management, reduce costs, meet diverse regulatory requirements, and much more.
