Hungarian astronaut to launch into space next week!

Hungarian researcher-astronaut Tibor Kapu is set to embark on a historic space mission aboard Axiom-4, which is scheduled for launch on 10 June from the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida. If all goes according to plan, the rocket will lift off at 8:22 AM local time (14:22 CET), carrying Kapu and three international crewmates to the International Space Station (ISS) for a two-week stay.

Kapu will be the second Hungarian in history to travel to space, following Bertalan Farkas in 1980. Speaking during a press conference, Kapu called the opportunity an “incredible honour,” expressing deep gratitude to the Hungarian people for their support and encouragement. “This mission is not only a scientific milestone for Hungary,” he said, “but a leap forward in national pride and inspiration. It shows that dreams and dedication know no boundaries.”

During his time aboard the ISS, Kapu will conduct 25 experiments designed by Hungarian researchers. In total, the Axiom-4 crew will carry out around 60 experiments from 31 different countries, contributing to various fields such as biology, physics, and material sciences.

Kapu also shared insights into the intense and often surprising training regimen he underwent, with support from major space agencies including NASA, SpaceX, the European Space Agency (ESA), and Japan’s JAXA. “We had to escape a flooded helicopter, kayak in the sea off Mexico, and jump into icy water in Florida,” he recalled. “The goal was to stay calm and focused under pressure.” He added that the training not only prepared the crew physically and mentally but also forged a strong sense of camaraderie among them.

The astronaut spoke with warmth about the lighter side of the mission as well. He introduced “Joy”, a small plush swan that will serve as the mission’s zero-gravity indicator. Referring to the iconic waterbirds that glide above Lake Balaton, he noted with a smile: “This one is just going to fly a bit higher.” His personal motto for the mission: “A healthy team is one that enjoys what it does.”

Kapu also revealed some of the symbolic items he’s bringing with him: a Rubik’s Cube representing Hungarian ingenuity, and the iconic “TV Maci” teddy bear in a tiny spacesuit, the same character that accompanied Bertalan Farkas on his mission over four decades ago. And of course, he won’t be leaving without some culinary comfort: he’s taking along traditional Hungarian favourites like Erős Pista and Piros Arany, as well as a newly developed space-friendly chocolate by Stühmer.

Farkas himself, now a revered figure in Hungarian space history, will be present at the launch. Kapu said the two have spoken frequently during preparations and that he draws strength from having his family nearby in Florida, even with strict quarantine rules in place.

According to HVG, the Axiom-4 mission was originally planned for 29 May but was postponed due to scheduling adjustments. Kapu and his backup astronaut Gyula Cserényi completed their NASA training earlier this spring, marking the final step before joining the small club of Hungarians who have travelled beyond Earth’s atmosphere.