At Hungary’s national holiday celebrations on 20 August, President Tamás Sulyok presented the Order of Saint Stephen to Bertalan Farkas and Tibor Kapu, two astronauts whose achievements have left a lasting mark on both space exploration and Hungarian scientific life. The Order of Saint Stephen is the country’s most prestigious award, conferred each year on individuals whose work has profoundly enriched the nation.
In his speech, the president emphasized that the two honourees inscribed their names not only into the history of space research and global science but also into the hearts of Hungarians. Just as the successes of athletes and inventors inspire pride, the extraordinary missions of Hungary’s astronauts have earned admiration from millions. He highlighted that their work symbolized unity and strength for the nation, particularly as the country celebrated its founding king.
Sulyok underlined that their missions placed Hungary firmly on the map of space research, allowing Hungarian scientists to join the forefront of international innovation. Their experiments reached the boundaries of human knowledge in fields ranging from physics and biology to meteorology and disaster prevention. According to the president, their courage, expertise, and professionalism embody the highest possible standards.
Bertalan Farkas, Hungary’s first astronaut and now an advisor to the HUNOR Hungarian Astronaut Program, was recognized for a lifetime of dedication that began with his legendary mission in 1980 and continues with his guidance in shaping future Hungarian space endeavors. Tibor Kapu, a research astronaut in the HUNOR Program, was honoured for his committed and highly effective work in advancing Hungary’s space strategy, as well as for his role in representing the country and its talents on the global stage.
In his acceptance speech, Farkas expressed his hope that Hungary might become ‘a small island of peace’ in Europe and the wider world. Kapu recalled that at the end of his mission, instead of feeling relief, he felt a renewed drive and passion to continue contributing to Hungarian science and to support future generations of astronauts.
The ceremony at the Sándor Palace was attended by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, Parliamentary Speaker László Kövér, and former President János Áder, among others.
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