Hungary, Poland, and India Astronauts Join Axiom Space's Next Private Mission to ISS

Axiom Space has announced the crew for its fourth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station (ISS).

The Ax-4 mission will see astronauts from Hungary, Poland, and India working alongside as seasoned US Astronaut, marking another step forward in Axiom's vision of a globally inclusive space economy.

The mission will be commanded by Peggy Whitson, a veteran astronaut who also led the Ax-2 mission to the ISS in May 2023. Whitson, a former NASA astronaut with a wealth of experience, will be at the helm of the mission, ensuring the crew's safety and success during their time in orbit.

Joining Whitson as the pilot for Ax-4 is Shubhanshu Shukla, an astronaut from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Shukla's participation was confirmed by ISRO on August 2nd and marks a significant milestone for India, highlighting its growing capabilities and aspirations in human spaceflight.

The two mission specialists for Ax-4 are Sławosz Uznański of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary.

Uznański, selected as a reserve astronaut by the European Space Agency (ESA) in 2022, is eligible for specific missions like this one. Poland announced in August 2023 its agreement with ESA to fly an astronaut on a private mission, underscoring its commitment to participating in international space endeavors. Similarly, Sweden's ESA reserve astronaut, Marcus Wandt, flew on the Ax-3 mission earlier this year, showcasing the growing trend of international cooperation in private space missions.

Hungary's Tibor Kapu was selected through the country's independent human spaceflight project, separate from ESA. The Hungarian government has invested $100 million in this initiative, signing an agreement with Axiom Space in September 2023 to facilitate Kapu's flight. This ambitious project reflects Hungary's dedication to advancing its presence in the space sector.

The announcement of the Ax-4 crew was strategically timed with their arrival in Houston, where they will undergo rigorous training with NASA, SpaceX, and Axiom Space. T

he crew members will need final approval from the station’s multilateral crew operations panel as the launch date approaches.

"Ax-4 represents Axiom Space’s continued efforts to build opportunity for countries to research, innovate, test, and engage with people around the world while in low Earth orbit. Our collaboration with ESA for a second time and the inclusion of Hungary and India underscores Axiom Space’s ability to cultivate global partners, expand the scope of exploration, and open up new avenues to grow a global space economy." - Michael Suffredini, Chief Executive of Axiom Space

While the exact launch date for Ax-4 has not been confirmed, NASA is currently holding a window for as soon as November. However, delays may push the mission to early 2025.

Axiom Space has successfully secured all four private astronaut mission (PAM) opportunities awarded by NASA to date, showcasing its leadership in the commercial spaceflight industry. As NASA has yet to issue a solicitation for future PAMs beyond Ax-4, other companies, such as commercial space station developer Vast Space, have expressed interest in competing for these coveted opportunities.

The Ax-4 mission stands as a testament to the expanding horizons of human spaceflight, with diverse international participation paving the way for a more interconnected and collaborative space future.