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Poland has secured its spot on the International Space Station (ISS), marking a significant milestone in its space endeavors. A partnership between the Ministry of Development and Technology and the European Space Agency (ESA) has paved the way for a Polish astronaut to embark on a mission of exploration, innovation, and education.
Collaboration with ESA and Axiom Space
Months of negotiations between the Ministry of Development and Technology and ESA, in close collaboration with the Polish Space Agency (POLSA), culminated in an agreement signed on August 4. The Polish astronaut’s journey to the ISS will be facilitated by Axiom Space, an American company entrusted with ISS operations under NASA’s directives.
ESA, working alongside Axiom Space, will oversee all mission aspects, encompassing training facilities, equipment certification, safety protocols, in-orbit management, and post-mission support. This holistic collaboration ensures a seamless mission experience.
The chosen Polish astronaut will be at the forefront of testing cutting-edge technologies. The mission’s primary emphasis lies in conducting technological experiments that have the potential to transcend space applications and find utility on Earth.
Simultaneously, a call for experiment proposals for the ISS mission has been launched. Companies and research institutions have until September 8 to submit their concepts. ESA, in conjunction with MRiT and POLSA, will evaluate the submissions and select projects with the aim of realizing them on the ISS in 2024 or 2025.
This collaboration underscores the positive relationships among stakeholders and signifies confidence in Poland’s space capabilities. The signed agreements guarantee that Polish scientists and engineers will gain access to the immense cosmic laboratory, fostering advancements with far-reaching impacts. These experiments are anticipated to yield significant returns by driving technological innovation across sectors beyond space.
Professor Grzegorz Wrochna, President of POLSA, emphasizes that contemporary economies cannot thrive without venturing into space. The partnership exemplifies the fusion of science, innovation, and cooperation, positioning Poland at the forefront of space exploration.