Hungarian astronauts successfully complete NASA training

The astronauts of Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), including Hungarian research astronaut Tibor Kapu and his reservist Gyula Cserényi, have successfully completed the astronaut training programme of NASA, the Hungarian in Orbit (HUNOR) programme said in a post on social media.

Preparation began in August 2024 at NASA‘s Johnson Space Centre in Houston, where Ax-4 crew members underwent intensive instruction and practical training.

The astronauts practised operations, emergency procedures, and performing scientific experiments in realistic models of the International Space Station modules. The program was complemented with special modules provided by Axiom Space and SpaceX training, during which the crew members focused mainly on the Dragon capsule.

The Ax-4 astronauts have now entered the final phase of their preparation, as their launch is scheduled for May 2025 at the earliest.

Ministry announces EUR 1.5m tender for space industry support

The National Economy Ministry has announced a EUR 1.5m tender for European Space Agency (ESA) support for local space industry and technology companies and research institutions. Szabolcs Szolnoki, a deputy state secretary at the ministry, presented the details of the tender, as well as good practices for applicants, at a conference in Budapest on Friday.