www.gov.pl/web/development-technology">Ministry of Economic Development and Technology , and Polish Space Agency (POLSA) have announced the official name of the Polish technological and scientific mission to the International Space Station (ISS) will be 'Ignis'.
This mission will be part of the Axiom mission 4 (Ax-4) and assigned to this mission is Sławosz Uznański, selected as a member of the ESA Astronaut Reserve in November 2022 after a year-long selection process. He became an ESA project astronaut on 1 September 2023 for training familiarisation in anticipation of flying on a future space mission.
This mission represents a key collaboration between ESA and Poland, supporting the ongoing partnership on commercial human spaceflight under the Axiom Space mission programme.
For this mission, ESA project astronaut Sławosz Uznański will serve as a mission specialist under the command of Axiom Space's Director of Human Spaceflight and former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson. This flight will make Sławosz the second Pole in space, and the first to go to the International Space Station. The assigned crew also includes pilot Shubhanshu Shukla from India and mission specialist Tibor Kapu from Hungary.
While awaiting final approval from the Multilateral Crew Operations Panel (MCOP) for their mission to the Space Station, the Ax-4 crew is undergoing rigorous training at facilities worldwide. This includes ESA's European Astronaut Centre in Germany, as well as at facilities operated by Axiom Space, NASA and SpaceX in the USA, and JAXA in Japan, to equip them with the skills and knowledge needed for the mission. They will be launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, travelling to the Space Station in a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft.
Ax-4 will be the second commercial human spaceflight mission with an ESA project astronaut. Sponsored by the Polish government and supported by ESA, this mission includes an ambitious technological and scientific programme with several experiments proposed by Polish space industry and developed under the lead of ESA.
During their 14-day mission, the crew will conduct research in microgravity and engage in educational outreach activities. Ignis marks an exciting leap forward for Polish space ambitions, underscoring Poland's expanding contributions to space exploration within this multinational mission.
"It is a privilege to celebrate Poland's first technological and scientific mission to the International Space Station-an achievement that underscores Poland's growth as an emerging space nation and its role as a trusted partner in ESA's programmes. This mission highlights the power of international collaboration and ESA's commitment to advancing technological expertise through commercial access to space. Together, we are preparing for a future beyond Low Earth Orbit, showcasing Poland's capabilities and the strength of our shared ambitions. I extend my gratitude to the Ministry of Economic Development and Technology for their trust in ESA," said ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher.
"The Polish mission is a technological and scientific endeavour that will benefit not only our country but also the international community. Thanks to the involvement of Polish companies and scientific institutions, experiments aimed at advancing medicine, biology, engineering, and space technologies will be carried out." said Minister of Economic Development and Technology of the Republic of Poland Krzysztof Paszyk. "Notable examples include research on the human microbiome, testing of new materials, and projects in the field of artificial intelligence. This is a significant opportunity for the Polish space sector to build unique competencies and accelerate the commercialization of space technologies."
"Naming this mission Ignis symbolises the spark of innovation and the ambitious contributions from Poland to space exploration. The partnership between ESA, Poland, and Axiom Space marks a significant milestone for commercial human spaceflight, enabling the second mission with an ESA project astronaut and highlighting Europe's readiness to advance space exploration, strengthening its role in shaping the future of space technology.", said Daniel Neuenschwander, ESA's Director of Human and Robotic Exploration.
"The "Ignis" mission is a groundbreaking event not only for our space sector. Thirteen Polish experiments in the fields of technology, biology, medicine, and psychology, prepared by Polish scientists and engineers, will open new opportunities for Polish research and, in the long term, increase Poland's competitiveness on the global market. ESA project astronaut Dr. Sławosz Uznański will be the second Pole in space, making him the best ambassador for Polish science and industry, as well as an inspiration for future generations," says Prof. Grzegorz Wrochna, President of the Polish Space Agency.
The Ignis mission patch
Patches are an integral part of every astronaut mission. Space agencies print out a cloth reproduction that astronauts wear during their flight, a tradition that started six decades ago. These emblems tend to reflect the space flyer's personality, the mission goals and the creativity of an artist.
The Ignis mission, named after the Latin word for 'fire,' symbolises the spark igniting a new era in Poland's space endeavours.
The central motif of the patch features an eagle - a reference to the emblem of Poland - in white and red, reflecting the colours and design of the Polish national flag. Its tail gracefully evokes a flame, while its outstretched wings trace the contours of the Orla Perć mountain range in the Polish Tatra Mountains. Within the mission's name, the second 'i' takes the form of the International Space Station. Above it, stars converge to form the Scutum constellation, paying homage to astronomer Johannes Hevelius (1611-87), who was born in the Polish city of Gdańsk. Finally, a silver line represents the horizon, signifying the dawn of a new era in space exploration.
