Polish Astronaut Takes Part in Historical Space Mission
At 08:31 Polish time on 25 June 2025, a historic spaceflight began with Polish astronaut Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski on board. The Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) is heading to the International Space Station (ISS), marking a significant milestone: Uznański-Wiśniewski becomes only the second Pole in history to travel to space.
The Ax-4 crew includes Mission Commander Peggy Whitson (USA), Pilot Shubhanshu Shukla (India), and Mission Specialists Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski (Poland) and Tibor Kapu (Hungary). The spacecraft is scheduled to dock with the ISS around 13:00 Polish time on 26 June.
Once on board the ISS, the astronauts will begin an intensive programme of scientific and technological experiments. Uznański-Wiśniewski is set to conduct 13 individual studies, contributing to research that could impact future space missions and life on Earth.
During their two-week stay, the Ax-4 crew will explore the effects of microgravity on human health, with a particular focus on supporting type 1 diabetics during short-duration missions. Another key objective is to study how microgravity influences the brain and cognitive functions of astronauts.
In March 2023, when as part of the 1st EUDOFFSHORE WIND 2023 Education and Careers Fair, GMU representatives presented the education opportunities on offer at the University, they were visited at their stand by Polish scientist and doctor of electronics Dr Sławosz Uznański, who was at the time a member of staff at the time a member of staff at the European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN).
