Axiom Space Mission Set for Spring Launch with Hungarian Astronaut on Board

Hungarian astronaut Tibor Kapu, ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization) astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, and ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski of Poland (L-R)
SpaceX
It will not be long before a Hungarian astronaut returns to space, following Bertalan Farkas’s journey in the early 1980s. The fourth mission of Axiom Space is expected to launch in spring 2025, with Tibor Kapu on board.

All preparations are in place for Axiom Space’s fourth mission, set to launch into space as early as spring 2025, according to NASA. The mission carries special significance for Hungary, as one of the four crew members is Tibor Kapu, who could soon become the first Hungarian astronaut to travel to space since Bertalan Farkas.

The four-member crew will be led by Peggy Whitson, a veteran astronaut and former NASA scientist who currently serves as Axiom Space’s director of human spaceflight. The mission’s pilot will be Shubhanshu Shukla from the Indian Space Research Organisation, while Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski from Poland will serve as the crew’s mission specialist.

The Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) crew will travel to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. They are scheduled to spend 14 days aboard the ISS, where they will conduct a series of complex tasks, including scientific experiments, educational activities, and commercial projects.

Hungary Finalizes Return to Human Spaceflight with Axiom Space Contract

Hungarian Reconquest

On Thursday the crew members held a press conference to mark the occasion, during which Index conducted a short interview with Kapu. He shared his expectations for the mission and delivered a message to the Hungarian people.

‘Hungary is a small country with a big history and big dreams. Hungarian is a language that few people speak, but it is the mother tongue of many talented people,’ Tibor Kapu said. He highlighted that the mission would build on Hungary’s expertise in space-related fields such as dosimetry, space nutrition, life sciences, and human biology. Additionally, an open call was launched for universities, companies, and research groups to submit proposals for space research projects.

‘We have collected dozens of experiments from all over the country, of which I am extremely proud. With this programme, our aim is to establish a foothold in the space community, contribute to the global space industry and science in every possible way, and take our place at the table alongside the giants, the major players,’ he said. ‘I believe that the most important resource a country needs to achieve these goals is brainpower. And let me tell you that Hungary has it.’

‘We have a heritage in space’

‘As an astronaut, one of your greatest responsibilities is to carry out research that is the result of this brainpower—to be the extended arm and eye of the researchers. To them, I say: not many people can claim that their work can be seen from the stars, but you can. I do not fly alone. I will carry your dreams too,’ Kapu concluded.

Asked by Index about the impact he hopes his mission will have on Hungary's space ambitions and what message he has for all Hungarians, Tibor Kapu responded, ‘I think HUNOR will have a big impact on our nation. I would like to start by saying that this is a return to space for Hungary. We have been there before. We have a heritage in space.’

He recalled the pioneering radar experiments of Zoltán Bay and the groundbreaking work of Tódor Kármán in aerodynamics. ‘Then, of course, there was Bertalan Farkas—my great friend Berci—, who was the first Hungarian to fly into space in 1980. He took with him the Pille dosimeter, which has been in space ever since, aboard various space stations and spacecraft. I think that getting back on stage is a great thing for us.’

Hungary’s Puli Space to Map Moon’s Water Ice in ESA Collaboration

‘We will accelerate Hungarian science and research,’ he continued. ‘Our mission, and I think I can speak for the others as well, is to inspire the younger generations. My personal motivation is to excite and motivate them.’

He highlighted the importance of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), stating that ‘STEM is one of the sectors that can always grow, and we must encourage more and more children to pursue careers in this field.’

‘If they can become astronauts, I’ll be even happier. I say to them, and to all Hungarian people: thank you for your support. It has been a great pleasure and honour to be an astronaut so far, but I believe this journey is only just beginning.’

The HUNOR (Hungarian to Orbit) national research spacecraft programme was announced as part of the space strategy adopted in 2021. It is in Hungary's strategic interest to maintain and develop its capabilities for space activities, striving to strengthen its position in the increasingly competitive international space environment, building on its decades-long tradition in the industry.

The fact that Hungary is sending a man into space again is not only symbolic. The Hungarian space industry companies, higher education institutions, and research institutes involved in the mission will establish a ‘space industry reference’ through the tools and knowledge developed, which is a prerequisite for entering the global market. The international experience gained through the implementation of its research spacecraft programme will significantly enhance Hungary's role in the international space race and could provide a significant competitive advantage to the sectors involved.


Related articles:

An Overlooked Aspect of the Trump–Orbán Meeting: Hungary–US Space Tech Cooperation
Interview with Dr Orsolya Ferencz, Ministerial Commissioner for Space Research
It will not be long before a Hungarian astronaut returns to space, following Bertalan Farkas’s journey in the early 1980s. The fourth mission of Axiom Space is expected to launch in spring 2025, with Tibor Kapu on board.

CITATION