Hungarian Astronaut Training Begins in Houston
Hungarian Astronaut Tibor Kapu Begins Training for Axiom Space Mission
The entire crew of Axiom Space’s Ax-4 Mission, which includes Hungarian astronaut Tibor Kapu, has arrived in Houston to begin their training, the company announced on Monday. This mission marks a significant milestone for Hungary, as it will be the first time a Hungarian astronaut will visit the International Space Station.
Axiom Space revealed that the Ax-4 Mission will include astronauts from Hungary, Poland (with support from the European Space Agency), and India. The crew will be led by US mission commander Peggy Whitson and will also feature Slawosz Uznanski from Poland and Shubhanshu Shukla from India.
Despite the exciting news, the crew’s journey to the International Space Station is still pending approval from the Multilateral Crew Operations Panel (MCOP). However, once approved, this mission is expected to open up new opportunities for nations with ambitious goals in scientific, technological, and economic advancements.
The emphasis of the Ax-4 Mission will be on scientific research, technology testing, and the commercialization of space. By fostering collaboration and sharing knowledge among participating partners, the mission aims to strengthen their position in the space community.
The mission will be launched into space from Florida on a SpaceX Falcon-9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft, with an expected duration of 14 days on the International Space Station. While the launch date has not been announced yet, preparations are underway for this historic journey.
The crew selection for the Ax-4 mission was made possible through agreements with Axiom Space and the Hungarian government. The Hungarian astronaut program, known as Hungarian to Orbit (HUNOR), has been expanding with the signing of a memorandum of understanding in 2022 and a framework agreement in 2023 for the launch of the Hungarian astronaut.
Tibor Kapu, a 32-year-old mechanical engineer, was chosen as Hungary’s research astronaut for the mission. To ensure the mission’s success, a reserve astronaut, 35-year-old electrical engineer Gyula Cserényi, has also been appointed.
As preparations continue for the Ax-4 Mission, Hungary looks forward to seeing its first astronaut in space after 44 years. The mission represents a major step forward for Hungarian space exploration and highlights the country’s commitment to advancing its presence in the global space community.
