World Courier’s cosmic contribution to the Turkish national space program

TÜBİTAK embarked on an ambitious project — conducting 13 different experiments aboard the International Space Station (ISS). This endeavor required the safe transportation of various temperature-controlled components, including blood samples, seeds, and other scientific research objects from multiple universities across Türkiye to the U.S. Given their irreplaceable nature and strict timelines, ensuring these valuable materials arrived safely was paramount. Recognizing World Courier’s expansive network across Türkiye as well as globally, TÜBİTAK approached us for our expertise in building custom logistics plans.

We adopted a meticulous approach to develop a bespoke logistics plan tailored to meet their needs. By taking a consultative approach to planning, we worked with the team to fully establish needs of the project while remaining cost effective and limiting risk of damage to samples. Our extensive global coverage offered them assurance that no location was out of reach for us — something other providers could not guarantee.

We ensured that these invaluable samples — including those of blood — were maintained at refrigerated and deep-frozen temperatures throughout their journey from Türkiye to Miami — and back again from Houston to Istanbul after their space-based tenure on the ISS. These samples were invaluable; replacing them would be nigh on impossible without considerable effort and expense. Hence there was an immense need to ensure their safe return from the U.S. to Türkiye.

Our client-centric solution incorporates real-time location monitoring (RTLM) on our global thermal containers (GTC). This provides continuous visibility during the transit of refrigerated shipments — enabling clients to access highly accurate, real-time location data of their goods through the Customer Portal.

The global thermal container passive shippers are a versatile multi-use system. These have been meticulously designed to maintain consistent standards across all consignments and ensure these precious samples destined for space were kept at the right temperature. They can be configured for every temperature range and nearly every size — making them an adaptable solution for varied shipping needs.

Despite unavoidable delays due to weather conditions affecting the return trip of the shuttle carrying these precious items back from space, our team remained on standby to ensure no time was wasted once it was safe for transportation. We also facilitated immediate inspection by involved scientists at our World Courier facility immediately following customs clearance in Istanbul.

Despite some challenges along this intercontinental journey and onwards into space and back again, World Courier successfully delivered all shipments without delay or damage — contributing significantly towards furthering research within Türkiye’s national space program. By aiding in such pivotal missions concerning Türkiye’s ongoing progress within space exploration, we have set new standards not only in logistical planning but also in enabling groundbreaking scientific advancements.