Tibor Kapu, Hungary’s first research astronaut to reach the International Space Station, described his space mission as a ‘divine experience’ during a live video call with journalists on Friday. Speaking from orbit, Kapu reflected on the emotional launch, the beauty of Earth from space, and Hungary’s scientific contributions to the Axiom-4 mission.
Kapu expressed pride in conducting cutting-edge experiments aboard the ISS. Out of 60 experiments on the mission, at least 25 originated from Hungarian researchers, universities, and companies through the HUNOR (Hungarian Astronaut Programme). ‘This is the highest number among all participating countries, something we can be truly proud of,’ Kapu said. ‘I believe the scientists behind the HUNOR programme will make their mark on the competitive research market.’
He recalled the emotional rollercoaster of the mission’s delayed launch, which extended the pre-launch quarantine. ‘There was a moment when we were just 13 seconds away from another delay. The launch itself was much louder and faster than I imagined—eight and a half minutes of roar, then sudden silence and weightlessness,’ he said with a smile.
Despite having seen countless images of Earth, Kapu said nothing compares to witnessing it in person: ‘It’s so bright, colourful, and full of life. When the sun sets, everything turns orange; then it becomes a deep navy blue. Every five minutes, you see something entirely new.’ Orbiting the Earth every 90 minutes, he described space as a place of constant wonder.
Answering a question about what this mission means to him personally, Kapu said: ‘This is not just my journey—this mission represents the dream of the entire Hungarian nation. It’s surreal to be here on the ISS, wearing a suit with my name and my father’s name, alongside our flag.’
He also touched on the challenges aboard the ISS: losing track of small objects is easy in microgravity, focusing can be difficult, and folding clothes is nearly impossible. Just before the press call, he had been working on a psychological survey and a scientific experiment. He’s especially looking forward to filming in the Russian segment of the station and trying out the Hungarian-developed Pille dosimeter.
Looking ahead, Kapu expressed his hope that the HUNOR programme will continue. ‘Over the past few years, researchers, doctors, and others have worked hard to understand the astronaut selection and training process. Space exploration offers huge opportunities not just for professionals today, but also for the next generation,’ he concluded.
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