Breaking news – NASA approves HUNOR mission: Hungary’s big space moment is here!
NASA and its international partners have officially approved the fourth mission of Axiom Space, which will launch Hungarian explorer Tibor Kapu to the International Space Station (ISS) in the spring of 2025.
The launch from Kennedy Space Center in Florida will open a new chapter not only in the history of Hungarian space exploration but also in our participation in international space programmes. This success of the HUNOR (Hungarian to Orbit) programme is not only symbolic but also serves concrete scientific purposes.
The space mission
According to Portfolio, the official mission patch and the flight suit the crew will wear to the space station were unveiled at the first press conference on Thursday. The crew of the Ax-4 mission is an international one, including US commander Peggy Whitson, Polish mission specialist Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski and Indian pilot Shubanshu Shukla. At the briefing, they all described their training process and the mission’s objectives, which include scientific research and international cooperation.
Tibor Kapu stressed that after 45 years, a Hungarian astronaut is going into space again, which is not only a significant milestone in the history of Hungarian space exploration but also strengthens the international position of Hungary in the field of space exploration. The Hungarian astronaut said that Bertalan Farkas, the first Hungarian astronaut, had given him a lot of useful advice and pointed out that, in addition to the Hungarian flag, he would be accompanied into space by some Hungarian specialities and a symbolic object that had already been part of Bertalan Farkas’ mission.
Aims and importance of the HUNOR programme
The HUNOR programme is not just a space mission, but a comprehensive strategic initiative aimed at developing the Hungarian space sector and actively participating in international space exploration. Tibor Kapu stressed that Hungary, although a small country, has a rich history and big dreams. The Hungarian language is spoken by few, but the number of talented Hungarian researchers and professionals is significant, which allows Hungary to play a prominent role in space exploration.
The aim of the programme is to stimulate the Hungarian space sector, create new career opportunities and contribute to the promotion of space sciences, especially among the younger generations. The HUNOR programme builds on strengths such as space nutrition, life sciences and radiosciences, in which our country has been excelling for many years.
Several Hungarian scientific experiments are being carried out on the International Space Station as part of the HUNOR programme. Tibor Kapu presented in detail the scientific portfolio of the programme, which includes unique research from Hungarian universities, research institutes and companies. Microgravity and the special environmental conditions of space allow experiments that are difficult or impossible to carry out on Earth.
The experiments include a biotechnology research project on the effects of cosmic radiation on DNA damage and cellular self-repair mechanisms. Another focuses on fluid dynamics, modelling the behaviour of planetary atmospheres in microgravity environments. It also includes the testing of an innovative dosimetry instrument that can measure radiation exposure to astronauts in real-time. A new drug delivery method using a microfibre solution to treat visual impairment in space will also be tested.
The future of Hungarian space research
The HUNOR programme is not just a single mission, but a long-term strategic initiative to put Hungary on the international map of space exploration. The programme has launched an open call for Hungarian universities, researchers and companies to present their innovative experiments. From the proposals received, dozens of experiments have been selected, and the work of several Hungarian researchers and institutions will be showcased in space.
Tibor Kapu stressed that the future of Hungarian space exploration lies not only in the missions of astronauts but also in how the Hungarian scientific community and industries can cooperate in the development of space exploration. The long-term goal of the programme is for Hungary to become not only a consumer of space exploration, but also an active participant, where Hungarian innovations and technologies are recognised at the global level.
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