The “Ignis” mission, part of Axiom 4 (Ax-4), ESA’s space journey to the international space station operated by SpaceX with the Crew Dragon spacecraft, is almost over. The period to mark on the calendar is April 2025 when a mission made up of four different countries: Poland, USA, India and Hungary will leave from the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral. For Warsaw it will be a historic milestone as Sławosz Uznański, a Polish astronaut from the ESA reserve, tells the newspaper. Poland and Italy, both key partners in ESA missions, actively collaborate to advance space research. ESA (European Space Agency) is an organization that unites 22 member states to develop scientific, technological and space exploration projects, including the International Space Station. We explored Uznański’s journey and his reflections on this historic mission.
What are your main responsibilities during the Axiom 4 (Ax-4) mission to the International Space Station?
As a project astronaut, my main role during the Ax-4 mission will be to conduct a series of scientific experiments proposed by the Polish space sector and developed in collaboration with the European Space Agency. There are currently 13 experiments being planned by Polish companies and institutes, covering a wide range of scientific fields: biology, biotechnology, human research and material sciences. This is an extraordinary opportunity for Polish institutions to exploit the unique microgravity environment for the first time, promoting significant advances in science and technology. Furthermore, in addition to the scientific objectives, the mission includes an ambitious educational program aimed at inspiring young people to explore careers in STEM fields. As a scientist and engineer, I care deeply about encouraging teenagers and students to pursue science and technology careers. This outreach effort is an investment in Poland’s future, fostering innovation and cultivating the next generation of scientists and engineers.
The Ax-4 mission is a collaboration between various countries. Does the future of space exploration depend on international cooperation?
Space exploration is inherently global: its benefits, from scientific advances to technological innovations, reach beyond national borders. The Ax-4 is a true testament to this. We come from four different countries, on three continents, yet we will work together to achieve a common scientific mission to the ISS. It is phenomenal that nations and organizations can pool their expertise and resources to achieve shared goals. Cooperation stimulates innovation, ensures more efficient use of resources and builds trust between nations. By leveraging diverse perspectives and capabilities, we can push the limits of what is possible, not only in space, but also in addressing global challenges on Earth.
What are some of the scientific experiments you will conduct aboard the ISS?
During the Ax-4 mission, I will have the opportunity to conduct a series of exciting experiments on board the ISS. These experiments cover various scientific fields, each with the potential to bring significant advances in science and technology. In the field of human research, we will study, for example, the effects of space conditions on mental health, the immune system and the gut microbiome. The results of these studies will directly improve our understanding of human physiology and psychology, while providing valuable tools for medical research that will benefit all of us on Earth. In the field of biotechnology, experiments will investigate the survival and adaptability of microorganisms and genetically modified organisms in space.
These studies could pave the way for sustainable life support and resource production systems, crucial for future space exploration. The Polish mission will focus on technology demonstrators. Projects include testing of advanced radiation and sound monitoring systems, AI-based diagnostic tools and innovative data processing systems. These technologies are essential to improving the safety, autonomy, and efficiency of future space missions, particularly as we prepare for more complex undertakings, such as moon bases and Mars exploration. In the field of materials science, experiments will examine the stability and performance of innovative materials in space, with potential applications in medical technologies and other sectors.
The science and technology developed during this mission not only expands our understanding of how life and technology behave in space, but also addresses challenges on Earth, such as improving medical treatments and advancing environmental monitoring and sustainability . What excites me most is contributing to the social benefits of space research. Each project represents a small but fundamental step towards realizing more ambitious future missions, while offering immediate benefits to science and society.
ESA recently awarded a contract to the Italian company D-Orbit for the development of a space tug as part of the Rise mission. How do innovations like this support the work of astronauts and the sustainability of space missions?
Space tugs are very versatile vehicles designed to perform a variety of tasks, such as deploying satellites, repositioning payloads, removing space debris, and even maintaining or repairing space shuttles. These capabilities significantly increase the efficiency and flexibility of space operations. For astronauts, space tugs can reduce mission risks and workload by automating tasks that would otherwise require complex and potentially dangerous extravehicular activities (spacewalks). This allows astronauts to focus on primary objectives, such as scientific research and technology testing.
From a sustainability perspective, space tugs contribute to more efficient management of resources in orbit. In the future, by enabling the reuse or recycling of satellites and other equipment, they could help reduce in-orbit waste and extend the operational life of assets. Furthermore, their role in debris removal is crucial to maintaining the safety and sustainability of the orbital environment, which is becoming increasingly congested. Innovations like these align with the broader goals of modern space exploration: to operate more efficiently, safely and responsibly, while setting the stage for a long-term human presence in space.
Poland and Italy are both key partners in ESA missions. How do you see the evolution of the collaboration between these two countries?
Italy has a long history of developing space hardware, with its first satellite launched in the early 1960s, and has been a strong partner in ESA since its creation. Poland, being a relatively new member, is developing its space sector with huge potential in electronics and IT, and I am confident that our role will continue to grow in the coming years. I believe that our collaborations will continue to expand, both within ESA and, potentially, bilaterally, with the proposal of joint projects. Space exploration is becoming increasingly global and interconnected. At the same time, I believe that Europe has enormous potential to strengthen its position in this growing market.
With the space sector poised to grow rapidly in the coming years, international collaboration will be crucial to success. Established partnerships, such as the one between Poland and Italy, will play a vital role in shaping the future of space exploration and technology.