Introduction
The launch of the HUNOR (Hungarian to Orbit) program was announced in the fall of 2021 by Orsolya Ferencz, Ministry Commissioner for Space Research at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The approximately 100-million-dollar program selected both a scientific project to be executed in space and the Hungarian astronaut who would participate in a roughly one-month mission to the International Space Station (ISS).
Applications for the future astronaut candidates were accepted until January 31, 2022. Over 240 valid applications were received; after the initial evaluation, 100 candidates advanced to the next stage, and about half of those moved on to further rounds. The increasingly detailed and demanding selection process was conducted in cooperation with the European Space Agency (ESA), in alignment with ESA’s Astronaut Policy. Candidates underwent thorough physical and psychological assessments, as well as professional evaluations.
By spring 2023, the pool of applicants had narrowed to four potential candidates: András Szakály, an aerospace design engineer; Tibor Kapu, a development engineer; Gyula Cserényi, a high-voltage electrical engineer; and Dr. Ádám Schlégl, assistant professor at the University of Pécs Medical School (UP MS), and clinical specialist at the Orthopaedic Clinic of the PTE Clinical Centre.
The final decision was made by the HUNOR Program commitee of experts on May 26, 2024. Tibor Kapu was chosen as the primary astronaut, with Gyula Cserényi appointed as his backup. Dr. Ádám Schlégl remains part of the program, responsible for biomedical experiments within the HUNOR research and development division, supporting the astronauts in this field during the planned two-week mission.
Tibor Kapu will travel to the International Space Station in the summer of 2025 as part of the AX-4 mission, a collaboration between Axiom Space, the HUNOR program, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), and the European Space Agency. Launch will take place from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. During his time in space, the Hungarian astronaut will conduct experiments related to Hungarian research, implementing scientific initiatives from Hungarian universities, research groups, and companies—many of which are connected to the University of Pécs and its Medical School. The UP MS will contribute three of its own experiments and participate in two additional projects as a consortium partner. Kapu’s fellow astronaut on the mission will be Sławosz Uznański, with mission commander Peggy Whitson and pilot Shubhanshu Shukla.
Sources:
Hunor – Magyar Űrhajós Program
Facebook/Hunor – Magyar Űrhajós Program