It’s official: Hungarian astronaut will embark on a space mission in May

Hungarian research astronaut Tibor Kapu will embark on a space mission to the International Space Station on May 29, Orsolya Ferencz, Hungary’s ministerial commissioner for space research, announced on Tuesday.

“The announcement of the Axiom 4 expedition including Kapu on board has been officially made,” she said on Facebook. She said the “historic moment” of Tuesday’s announcement “concludes a close to two-year pre-selection and training process, followed by an eight-month mission-specific preparation process in the United States”.

Hungarian astronaut Tibor Kapu
The Axiom 4 expedition. Photo: FB/HUNOR

Ferencz said that “by fulfilling the most rigorous criteria set by NASA, SpaceX and Axiom Space, Kapu and his reservist Gyula CserĂ©nyi have elevated themselves to among the world’s best.” “With his training complete, astronaut Kapu is ready for the mission. Hungary can once again prove its perseverance and commitment in this scientific programme,” she said.

“The Hungarian flag will be ascending again into space after many decades. Follow this new historic Hungarian success along with us,” said Ferencz.

Hungarian astronaut
Tibor Kapu has been selected as the Hungarian astronaut to be sent to space. Photo: MTI

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