Toda finally, a historic milestone was reached as Sławosz Uznański‑Wiśniewski from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary launched into space aboard the SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule “Grace.” As part of the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), they began a journey to the International Space Station (ISS), marking the first time in decades that citizens from these Central European nations participated in a crewed spaceflight. The mission took off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida and reached the ISS approximately 28 hours later. Accompanying the Polish and Hungarian astronauts were American commander Peggy Whitson and Indian pilot Shubhanshu Shukla, forming a diverse international crew.
This mission is especially significant for Poland and Hungary, both of which had last sent astronauts to space during the Cold War era under the Soviet Interkosmos program. For Poland, it was Mirosław Hermaszewski who flew in 1978, while Hungary’s Bertalan Farkas followed in 1980. After decades of absence from human spaceflight, this mission symbolizes a return of both countries to the global stage of scientific exploration and international cooperation in space.
During their time aboard the ISS, Uznański‑Wiśniewski and Kapu are conducting over 50 scientific experiments spanning fields such as biotechnology, artificial intelligence, materials science, space medicine, and education. The Polish astronaut, in particular, is leading a mission dubbed “IGNIS,” involving 13 microgravity experiments developed by Polish research institutions and private companies. Cultural elements were also included in the mission—for example, Polish pierogi and pieces of Baltic amber were brought along as symbolic payloads. Kapu, representing Hungary’s national space program HUNOR, is contributing to experiments aimed at improving future spacecraft design and human health monitoring in space environments.
Beyond its immediate scientific value, this mission carries far-reaching implications for the economies of Poland and Hungary. It has the potential to significantly stimulate national innovation, especially in emerging technologies. The experiments carried out in orbit may lead to breakthroughs that could be commercialized on Earth in areas such as pharmaceuticals, precision agriculture, AI-driven diagnostics, and new material development. Such advancements can help strengthen high-tech industries and create new markets.
The mission is also expected to foster deeper interest in science and engineering among the younger generations. Through school programs, university partnerships, and public outreach, the flight of Uznański and Kapu may inspire thousands of students to pursue careers in STEM fields, thereby enhancing the long-term competitiveness of the national labor force.
Moreover, the participation of Poland and Hungary in a human spaceflight mission enhances the credibility and ambitions of their respective space agencies—POLSA and the Hungarian Space Office. This can pave the way for more active roles in international space collaborations, attract European Union research funding, and encourage private-sector investment in the space economy, including in areas like in-orbit manufacturing or Earth observation services.
The visibility of this mission on the global stage also serves to improve the international image of both countries. By associating their national identities with innovation and cutting-edge science, Poland and Hungary can attract interest from investors, tourists, and educational partners. In the long term, this supports broader diplomatic engagement and economic diversification.
In short, the journey of Uznański‑Wiśniewski and Kapu is more than just a return to space—it is a step toward placing Central Europe at the forefront of 21st-century science, technology, and economic development.
