25.05.2022 Transporter 5! Having a payload on the F9 for the first time in this mission makes it the most meaningful launch of my life. Wow, we're over the moon about our first satellite being in orbit! Our team meticulously designed and assembled each part, exceeding our expectations, for the arrival of this first baby. We're thrilled to have such an experienced team that can continue creating even more advanced satellites in the future. Let's keep reaching for the stars! It's like a mission to help a baby bird learn to fly for Ceyda. She was involved & observed the process from the initial draft designs to the final version, and it was a very meaningful for her to see the satellite launched into space. She managed all the launch activities, and it's amazing to see something you have touched and worked on in space. She is grateful to be a part of an incredible team from day one of building our culture and embarking on our first space mission. She wants to thank Plan-S for experiencing these intense emotions with me during our time at Transporter 5 and in the company. Ceyda considers Connecta T1.1 the most special baby in orbit, and it will always have the same meaning as her first love. While T5 was also significant for her, she acknowledges that the excitement of a launch remains consistent and will continue to evoke the same emotions at every mission.
03.01.2023 Transporter 6! I received T6 as a New Year's gift, as it was the first launch of 2023...
15.04.2023 Transporter 7! T7 was truly filled with excitement. Unlike other launches, we experienced the pre-launch thrill for three consecutive days. Our launch, initially announced for April 11 in a press release, was rescheduled to the 14th. Moreover, it didn't go as planned right at the moment of departure from the launch pad. Frankly, this excitement was almost unbearable, but this situation made this launch even more unforgettable for us! What's more, even irrelevant news channels that we wouldn't normally listen to in the mornings were reporting on the launch's scheduled time on the car radio. These days, filled with launches, were fantastic for launch enthusiasts like me.
11.11.2023 Transporter 9! Today marks the launch day of the Transporter 9 mission, as announced on spacex.com. This will be the 4th and 5th satellite launch for my current company, Plan-S, where I've been involved in managing all launch processes so far. It remains an exciting day, and I anticipate each launch to hold the same level of excitement. A popular saying among my pilotage friends at university was, "Each flight is always the first flight." Today, I can confidently apply the same sentiment, and even more so for each launch. Beyond our personal experience, the space sector is bustling with activity, featuring a new rideshare mission by Space. Keeping up with space news, LinkedIn updates, and related technical web content adds to the enjoyment, especially with the engaging shares from payload operators and LSPs, as well as SpaceX press releases. Resembling a huge conference day, various companies participate, sharing details about their payload accommodations on the press release stack on the F9, LSP, and payload name. This provides a unique opportunity to discover new payloads, their scopes, and launch supports, all in one place. Amidst the thrilling moments of a rocket launch, this day proves to be both efficient and enjoyable. Cheers to Transporter 9!
16.08.2024 F9 is back! Transporter-11! It was quite the wait after the minor glitch F9 experienced, but the countdown to its return as a rideshare transporter for the Transporter-11 mission was well worth it. Like many of us eagerly awaiting the launch, the entire industry had been counting down the days, and now it's finally happened—F9 is back for a Transporter mission too! This mission holds a unique place among the launches I’ve been part of, particularly because it marks the launch of our first four commercial IoT satellites, distinct from our previous test satellites. To be honest, it's been a long time since I've felt this excited about a launch—despite overseeing many successful ones over the years—and I could see that same excitement reflected in my team. It felt almost like the thrill of our very first satellite launch years ago, and it brought back the heightened excitement I experienced during Transporter-5, but multiplied. A huge thank you to everyone involved in this fantastic mission and return! Always Go for Launch! 🚀
18.10.2024 It is the last day of IAC Milan 2024! I has been here for the entire week, from 14th-18th, with my speaker sessions and meetings. I had the opportunity to speak at two different sessions, one day apart: The first was titled "Four SpaceX Rideshare Launch Missions: Facilitating Access to Space for Five Satellites in 1.5 Years - Insights from a Satellite Operator's Perspective in the First Two Years of the Company." The second was "Necessity to Thrive: Embracing the New Era in the New Space - A Digitalization Approach to Launch Processes and Management." In this session, I focused on how digitalization should transform satellite launch processes. I also discussed the overall progress of the industry, the direction it is heading, and the speed at which it is moving. I explained how companies need to differentiate themselves to be selected among so many initiatives in the launch sector. During my second session, I received a lot of interest and insightful questions from the wonderful team at NASA, to whom I send my warm regards. I would also like to express my gratitude to my alma maters—Oxford University, Oxford Business School, Boston College, Harvard University, and Harvard Business School—for inspiring me to create this session and for providing the foundational knowledge that supports my work. Although I am a young engineer passionate about my job and the launch industry, I am very pleased with how my management talents, developed at these institutions, have contributed to my ability to think differently and interpret technical concepts in an executive manner. The space sector is deeply technical, and it is essential to understand every aspect thoroughly. However, it is also very sensitive and prone to errors. The mistakes I refer to are not technical errors; rather, they stem from management gaps or disasters that can arise from a lack of a comprehensive executive perspective when dealing with highly technical work. Therefore, after my education in Aerospace and Aeronautical Engineering, I am delighted to have the opportunity to blend the executive and management knowledge I gained from some of the world’s best schools with the needs of the space sector. During IAC 2024 in Milan, I had productive discussions with NASA following my second session. Additionally, I am very pleased with the fruitful conversations I had with all my friends in the launch service provider community and my professional network. It is wonderful to connect with everyone around the world, making it possible to engage with industry friends even while on the move. Each interaction with new companies entering the sector adds to the growth of our industry, making it even more enjoyable. Hope to meet you all soon again🥂
14.01.2025 Transporter-12 Here it is the launch season again; the 6th Transporter mission and the 13th satellite launch mission completed for Plan-S. Although I was responsible for the launch management of all these satellites, it is never routine to achieve another successful launch mission! Here’s to more and more launches… Go Transporter Go for more! Ceyda
15.01.2025 Blue Ghost Hello Moon, Yes, We Are Back! The Moon—the celestial body that has long captured humanity’s imagination and driven our desire to explore beyond the confines of Earth. Since we first ventured into space, the Moon has always been our closest and most ambitious target, an ever-present symbol of our thirst for discovery. Now, we find ourselves at an incredible juncture in space exploration and lunar missions. We are on the cusp of a new era, where what once seemed impossible is now just a matter of time and ingenuity. I truly believe that almost no challenge is insurmountable anymore. What once appeared as unattainable goals can now be accomplished with effort, technology, and the right timing. And if something still seems impossible? Well, it might only take a little more time and perseverance. As an engineer and a passionate follower of space exploration, I can feel it in my heart and in the core of my knowledge: we are in the right moment to make it happen more. With this in mind, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all those pioneers who have worked tirelessly to make these missions happen—especially the brilliant minds and dedicated teams pushing the boundaries of what we can achieve in space. Their contributions bring humanity closer to the stars, and for that, we owe them an immense debt of gratitude. First and foremost, thank you to SpaceX for reigniting the flame of space exploration over the years, consistently challenging the limits of space engineering. Also, a big thank you to NASA, Firefly Aerospace, and iSpace for their focus and dedication to lunar exploration, as exemplified by the groundbreaking Blue Ghost Mission. This mission is a testament to the incredible work being done to help us explore, learn, and grow beyond our home planet. We’ve all held our breath as we watched these missions unfold, and we will continue to follow and be involved in the future launches and lunar endeavors. With every step forward, we get closer to unlocking more secrets of our Moon and, eventually, space beyond. So, hello Moon—we are back, and we’re here to explore more! Let’s continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible together! To the moon and beyond, Ceyda
16.01.2025 Starship 7th Test Flight Here it is—Starship! A marvel of engineering and a highly anticipated milestone in spaceflight history. With its sleek and futuristic design, Starship has captivated everyone, not just for its technical prowess but also for its strikingly aesthetic presence. The recent test launch further demonstrated its remarkable capabilities, successfully landing its massive first stage—Super Heavy—with precision and grace. Imagine catching a giant rocket, towering 69 meters (226 feet) in height (excluding the Vented Interstage) and weighing approximately 3,400 metric tons (7.5 million pounds) when fully fueled, with such a delicate touch that it feels as though you’re handling a thin stick. Although we are still eagerly awaiting milestones like Starship’s stage separation, docking and refueling in orbit, and its missions beyond Earth orbit, this launch signifies an incredible step forward. The success of this program builds on the legacy of Falcon Heavy, another triumph by SpaceX, showcasing its innovative recovery of boosters using mechanical arms, officially known as the Mechazilla system. The excitement surrounding these missions goes beyond their technical feats—they represent a gateway to the next era of space exploration. Whether it’s building a sustainable presence on the Moon or enabling interplanetary travel, Starship is undeniably one of the most ambitious and groundbreaking endeavors in the history of aerospace engineering. We look forward to seeing Starship achieve its next milestones and continue its journey to redefine the future of space exploration! The gateway to Mars! Ceyda
16.01.2025 Blue Origin - New Glenn Launch The success Blue Origin has achieved is undoubtedly well-deserved and long-awaited. It represents a deliberate and methodical approach, rooted in the company’s motto, Gradatim Ferociter (“Step by Step, Ferociously”). Blue Origin prioritizes incremental progress, emphasizing reliability, reusability, and sustainability. This cautious strategy ensures all requirements, tests, and verifications are meticulously completed before advancing to the next phase. While this approach may take longer, it builds a strong foundation for long-term success and aligns with the company’s vision of enabling a sustainable human presence in space. However, while outlining Blue Origin’s method, it is important to acknowledge that with all launch companies and their respective methods, none of these accomplishments can be dismissed—they are far from being subjects of comparison, as each represents undeniable successes within its own context. Each success, in its unique domain, represents a distinct class and offers unparalleled experiences. Recognizing the nuanced differences between these achievements requires an understanding accessible primarily to those deeply involved in or passionately following the space industry. While my remarks may be subjective, I firmly believe that such accomplishments should not be framed as a comparison but rather interpreted within their own contexts. When it comes to Blue Origin’s achievements, as mentioned earlier, this project has long been anticipated and closely observed—because it is Blue Origin, after all! Despite my impartial stance toward specific providers, my passion for rocket science and the launch industry remains unwavering. Each launch operator’s successful mission not only demonstrates technological advancements but also contributes significant value to the broader sector. Rather than seeing it as a class comparison, these successes should be considered within the dynamics of the new space industry, shaping the competition and activity within the launch sector as a whole. Naturally, the implications of such achievements extend beyond launches. They feed into interconnected areas such as satellite deployments, orbital transfer vehicles (OTVs), launch sites/spaceports, lunar and interplanetary missions, space stations, and space tourism. The space sector operates as a self-sustaining ecosystem, where each accomplishment fuels further progress. This particular launch marks a pivotal milestone for Blue Origin, a company and rocket that have been under the industry’s watchful eyes for some time. However, instead of viewing it through the lens of competition or rivalry (outside of educational or informative sessions), it’s essential to consider its value in contributing to the bigger picture of space exploration and development. What a remarkable success for New Glenn! We eagerly look forward to witnessing even more groundbreaking achievements from Blue Origin! See u NG, Ceyda
01.05.2025 The journey of NS-31 🧚♀️ Space Is Becoming More Accessible—With Different Purposes, Perspectives, and Altitudes!🪶 With Blue Origin’s latest crewed flight, we’re seeing more pathways open toward space—especially through suborbital missions. They offer something truly special: the chance to witness the Earth’s curvature with your own eyes from near space. That’s a life-changing experience for many. These flights aren’t meant to replace scientific or orbital missions like those to the ISS, Axiom modules, or the upcoming VAST stations. While Blue Origin has primarily focused on suborbital flights with New Shepard, their recent success with the New Glenn rocket demonstrates their capability to reach higher orbits—proving that, when desired, they can venture beyond the edge of space. Those very low orbit missions remain absolutely essential and incredibly valuable for humanity’s long-term space tourism and enthusiasm goals. What Blue Origin’s flights offer is a complementary breath—bringing space closer to people, making it more relatable, more tangible. It’s also important to note that this altitude has been flying to similar suborbital heights fo other operator as well. But Blue Origin’s consistent activity adds energy and visibility to this growing space tourism market. It shows us that this isn’t just a niche—there’s a new layer of the space economy forming here, built on curiosity, experience, and inspiration. to the Blue! Ceyda🪶
01.06.2025 Starbase City 🌌 & Flight 9 🚀 With Flight 9 recently completed and a springlike dynamism spreading across the industry, SpaceX continues to expand its presence in South Texas. The construction of a Starbase City is becoming an increasingly active and deliberate initiative. This effort is not only infrastructural but deeply strategic, echoing a well-known pattern seen in other space-centric regional clusters around the world — the so-called “n-universe” environments. From Toulouse and Bremen to Luxembourg, Denver (CO), Long Beach, and even emerging hubs like South Africa, concentrated regional ecosystems have proven to be highly effective in advancing space technology and industry growth. These locations thrive on a synergy of government support, private enterprise, research institutions, and specialized infrastructure — elements that Starbase is now actively cultivating on the Gulf Coast. The Starbase City initiative marks a significant step in this direction. It blends residential, industrial, and R&D zones into a singular launch-operations-focused hub, designed not just for Earth-based functionality but with the foresight of scaling toward multiplanetary logistics. In this sense, Starbase City is more than just a support settlement; it serves as a prototype for off-Earth habitation clusters — whether on the Moon, Mars, or beyond. This mirrors how Earth-based clusters foster innovation through proximity and integration. If the ambition is to build cities on other planets, constructing one next to the launch site on Earth is the most rational starting point. And of course, beyond the rise of space urbanization, we are now eagerly anticipating to witness the Starship’s Pez-side dumb-link separation — a critical step toward making point-to-point space logistics a reality. Ad Astra! Ceyda🚀
27.08.2025 Flight 10th🚀 Flight 10th was truly one of the greatest flights ever carried out. From its flawless lift-off to the smooth ascent, followed by Superheavy’s well-executed landing — even though we are eagerly waiting to see it caught by the chopsticks — everything worked to perfection. The climb of Starship itself was seamless, and then came what had to happen: the flawless performance of the payload bay (Pezdoor), the clean separation, and the successful release. Each of these steps marks an incredible new milestone for SpaceX. Equally remarkable was Starlink’s uninterrupted live broadcast throughout the launch and landing. Despite the clouds, the stream never cut, delivering crystal-clear visuals. The sight of Starship descending with outstanding structural integrity, its heat shield glowing yet holding strong, looked more impressive than even the best space movie graphics — except it was real🌌 Even with minor issues — such as scorching near the flap hubs — the mechanisms worked with astonishing efficiency. The flap movements, and finally the dramatic attack maneuver during descent at around 0.2 km altitude and 150 km/h speed, made Starship absolutely mesmerizing. Of course, the highlight of the mission was the flawless deployment of satellites from the payload bay. The separation mechanism worked with fluid precision — every view of it showed a perfect, flowing release. This was not only a major step forward for SpaceX, but also for the entire New Space sector, opening a new gateway in how rockets deliver satellites and how global satellite campaigns will be executed. What’s next? Our expectation is that SpaceX will take the show even further — climbing to higher LEO orbits around 500 km, deploying more Starlinks flawlessly, and demonstrating an even stronger descent: more heat-resistant, more strain-proof, with little to no visible burning on flaps. And of course, we look forward to seeing the long-awaited catch — Starship returning and again being held by the chopsticks. Clockwork precision was on full display — a true “Clockwork Orange” moment in spaceflight history.🚀 Ceyda