In a groundbreaking development, Poland is preparing to send its second astronaut to the prestigious International Space Station (ISS) in 2024, as announced by Waldemar Buda, the Minister of Development and Technology. The historic mission, if successful, will mark the country’s second foray into space since the renowned Mirosław Hermaszewski’s participation in a Soviet space mission in 1978.
The agreement sealing this significant endeavor was inked on August 4, 2023, between Minister Buda and representatives from the European Space Agency (ESA) alongside Axiom Space, a prominent US space industry entity. The collaboration aims to elevate Poland’s technological prowess and solidify its standing in the global space exploration landscape.
Speaking about the impending feat, Minister Buda remarked, “We are witnessing the creation of an astonishing narrative. A candidate has been identified, pending approval from both the European Space Agency and our esteemed American partners.”
Minister Buda emphasized that the chosen astronaut will have the privilege of testing cutting-edge Polish technologies. “This extraordinary opportunity for our companies will not only offer unparalleled experience but also validate the exceptional quality of Polish innovations,” he declared.
In a subsequent update on the digital platform X (previously known as Twitter), Minister Buda revealed that Poland has nominated esteemed scientist Sławosz Uznański as the potential candidate for the pivotal space mission.
The comprehensive preparation and execution of the mission will be expertly managed by Axiom Space in collaboration with the ESA. Their responsibilities span diverse domains, including access to comprehensive training, provisioning of state-of-the-art equipment, safety certification, in-orbit supervision, and post-mission support.
Highlighting the mission’s multifaceted objectives, the Development and Technology Ministry elaborated that the selected Polish astronaut will be dedicated to conducting technological experiments. Beyond the realm of scientific inquiry, the mission also carries an educational dimension. Kamila Król, Deputy Minister of Development and Technology, emphasized, “We anticipate that the educational broadcasts from the ISS, led by a Polish astronaut, will captivate and engage thousands of students, potentially fostering a profound interest in space among the youth.”
Poland’s commitment to space exploration was further underlined in 2023 when the country increased its financial contribution to the ESA by a substantial EUR 295 million. This infusion of funds will facilitate enhanced participation from Polish companies in diverse developmental programs encompassing satellite communication, navigation, and Earth observation.
The Polish space sector has been invited to submit proposals for conducting experiments on the ISS until September 8. The selected initiatives will be actualized during the 2024 ISS expedition, as outlined by Grzegorz Wrochna, President of the Polish Space Agency.
As Poland embarks on this audacious journey, the nation’s aspirations and technological ambitions are poised to leave an indelible mark on the cosmos. With eyes turned skyward, the world watches in anticipation as Poland’s cosmic odyssey unfolds.