Tibor Kapu became the second Hungarian astronaut to set foot aboard the International Space Station (ISS) last week, participating in Axiom Space’s Ax-4 mission. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán held a 15-minute phone call with Kapu on Sunday, during which they discussed a wide range of topics, including Kapu’s experiences so far at the ISS.
‘My parents told me how much of an impact the launch had on the Hungarian people and nation. I am extremely happy that one of the most important goals of the mission—to reach the Hungarian people—has already been achieved,’ Kapu said at the beginning of their conversation. Responding to a question from Prime Minister Orbán, the astronaut stressed that, despite criticism, Hungary’s space ambitions are not exaggerated. ‘I believe and profess that small countries like Hungary are capable of dreaming big. The space industry today is an area where you don’t necessarily have to be a major player to get involved,’ Kapu emphasized. He added that the space sector is booming and that every cent invested could be recouped sixfold in the future. ‘However, I prefer to think about how many people can be inspired,’ he explained.
Speaking about his work at the ISS, Kapu said that he spends most of his time conducting scientific research and experiments. The four crew members of the Ax-4 mission are scheduled to carry out 60 experiments during their 14 days aboard the ISS, with Kapu personally responsible for approximately 25 of them. ‘I have already planted the first pepper, radish, and wheat seeds, and I have also examined the flies we brought up, whose DNA testing will be important for us later on.’ He revealed that his main area of research is dosimetry, or radiation measurement, which he described as part of Hungary’s space heritage.
When he is not working, Kapu said he tries to get as much rest as possible—although it is active rest, as he spends time talking with his colleagues on the ISS and visiting the station’s famous Cupola module, where he can look down at Earth whenever he wishes. ‘I started my day there at 4am again today, because that’s when Hungary was visible. I had a good view of Lake Fertő, Kecskemét, Szeged, the southern part of Lake Balaton, and Keszthely, although it was quite cloudy, so I may still have to wait for the best view.’
Speaking of colleagues, Kapu revealed that, of the eleven astronauts currently stationed on the ISS, seven are in space for the first time. ‘It clearly shows how explosively the space industry is developing,’ he noted. ‘I love my colleagues very much, and I trust that they love me too. We have been studying and preparing together for a year now, and we have many shared experiences. I think we are one of the happiest crews ever to go into space.’
Prime Minister Orbán asked Kapu about the food in space. In response, Kapu explained that crew members are allowed to bring some national delicacies with them. ‘For example, I have Piros Arany and Erős Pista, which I am very proud of,’ he said. Piros Arany and Erős Pista are popular Hungarian condiments made from ground paprika. ‘We brought Hungarian spices to give the food a little extra flavour, and so that when we leave in two weeks, the crew staying behind can enjoy them too—further enhancing Hungary’s reputation,’ he concluded.
Watch the full discussion below:
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