The upcoming Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) will feature ESA astronaut Slawosz Uznański, who was selected for the ESA Astronaut Reserve in November 2022. Uznański became an ESA project astronaut on September 1, 2023, as part of his training for future space missions.
This mission signifies a pivotal collaboration between the European Space Agency (ESA) and Poland, enhancing their partnership in commercial human spaceflight through the Axiom Space program.
Uznański will serve as a mission specialist under the command of Peggy Whitson, Axiom Space's Director of Human Spaceflight and a former NASA astronaut. His participation will make him the second Polish astronaut in space and the first to visit the International Space Station (ISS). The crew also includes pilot Shubhanshu Shukla from India and mission specialist Tibor Kapu from Hungary.
Pending final approval from the Multilateral Crew Operations Panel (MCOP), the Ax-4 crew is undergoing extensive training at various facilities globally, including ESA's European Astronaut Centre in Germany, and facilities operated by Axiom Space, NASA, SpaceX, and JAXA in Japan. They will launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and travel to the ISS in a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft.
Ax-4 marks the second commercial human spaceflight mission with an ESA project astronaut, sponsored by the Polish government and supported by ESA. The mission includes a comprehensive technological and scientific program featuring experiments proposed by the Polish space industry, led by ESA.
During the 14-day mission, the crew will conduct research in microgravity and engage in educational outreach activities. The Ignis mission represents a significant advancement for Polish space ambitions, highlighting Poland's growing contributions to international space exploration.
ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher stated, "This mission underscores Poland's emergence as a space nation and its role as a trusted partner in ESA's programs, showcasing the power of international collaboration. Together, we are preparing for a future beyond Low Earth Orbit."
Poland's Minister of Economic Development and Technology, Krzysztof Paszyk, emphasized that the mission will benefit both Poland and the global community, with experiments focusing on medicine, biology, engineering, and space technologies.
Daniel Neuenschwander, ESA's Director of Human and Robotic Exploration, noted that the Ignis mission symbolizes innovation and the partnership between ESA, Poland, and Axiom Space, marking a significant milestone for commercial human spaceflight.
Prof. Grzegorz Wrochna, President of the Polish Space Agency, highlighted that the mission will pave the way for future Polish research and enhance the country's competitiveness in the global market.