In June 2025, Polish astronaut Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski became the second Polish national to travel to the International Space Station (ISS), marking Poland's return to crewed spaceflight after nearly half a century. As part of the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), Uznański-Wiśniewski brought a taste of Poland to space by taking freeze-dried pierogi, a staple of Polish cuisine, aboard the ISS.
The pierogi, prepared by LYOFOOD, a Polish company specializing in space-friendly meals, were designed to be lightweight and easy to consume in microgravity. This culinary innovation underscores the evolving nature of space food technology, with companies like LYOFOOD contributing to the development of meals suitable for long-duration space missions. The success of this initiative opens new avenues for incorporating diverse cuisines into future space missions, enhancing the psychological well-being of astronauts.
Uznański-Wiśniewski's mission, which concluded on July 15, 2025, after 20 days on the ISS, involved over 60 experiments, contributing significantly to scientific research. The mission also provided a platform to showcase Poland's growing role in international space exploration. The Ax-4 mission, as a whole, involved astronauts from the USA, India, and Hungary, emphasizing the collaborative spirit of space exploration. The ISS, a symbol of global cooperation, continues to be a place where nations unite in the pursuit of knowledge and understanding.
The mission's focus on scientific research, combined with the simple act of sharing a traditional meal, underscores the profound human need for connection and belonging, even in the vastness of space.