June 10, 2025
In a landmark moment for global space exploration, India, Poland, and Hungary each launched their first astronauts into space as part of a multinational crewed mission. The launch took place on June 10, 2025, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft.
The mission, named Ax-4, is operated by Axiom Space, a U.S.-based private space company in coordination with NASA and SpaceX. The international crew of four includes:
- Group Captain Rakesh Sharma II (India), an Indian Air Force pilot and son of India’s first astronaut, Rakesh Sharma.
- Lt. Col. Marcin Wolski (Poland), a fighter pilot with the Polish Air Force.
- Dr. Eszter Kéri (Hungary), a biomedical researcher and Hungary’s first female astronaut.
- Michael López-Alegría (United States), mission commander and veteran NASA astronaut representing Axiom Space.
Historic Firsts
The mission marks the first time that India, Poland, and Hungary have launched astronauts into space as part of official national space programs. While India previously sent cosmonaut Rakesh Sharma into space in 1984 aboard a Soviet Soyuz spacecraft, this marks the nation’s first astronaut in the era of modern commercial and international collaboration.
For Poland and Hungary, the mission represents their debut human spaceflights. Both nations had contributed to space research and satellite missions in the past, but this is the first time either has sent a national into orbit.
Mission Objectives
The crew is bound for the International Space Station (ISS), where they will spend approximately 14 days conducting a range of scientific experiments, many focused on biotechnology, medical research, and microgravity physics. The astronauts will also engage in public outreach efforts to promote STEM education and international cooperation in space science.
Dr. Eszter Kéri is expected to conduct research related to osteoporosis and immune system behavior in microgravity, while India’s Group Captain Sharma II will focus on atmospheric monitoring and space medicine experiments in partnership with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
Global Cooperation
The mission was coordinated through a partnership between Axiom Space, NASA, SpaceX, and the national space agencies of India (ISRO), Poland (POLSA), and Hungary (HUNSPACE). The astronauts underwent extensive training in Houston, Texas, and at various facilities in Europe and India over the past year.
“This mission demonstrates the power of international collaboration in advancing human spaceflight,” said Michael Suffredini, CEO of Axiom Space. “It also shows how commercial spaceflight can democratize access to space for nations and scientists around the world.”
Looking Ahead
India is expected to follow this milestone with its first independent crewed mission, Gaganyaan, later in 2025 or early 2026. Poland and Hungary are also expanding their space programs, with ambitions to develop domestic astronaut training programs and increase satellite development capabilities.
The Ax-4 mission adds to the growing list of nations with human spaceflight capability and represents a significant step toward more inclusive and cooperative exploration beyond Earth.
The Crew Dragon capsule is scheduled to return to Earth in mid-June with a splashdown off the coast of Florida.
This article will be updated with additional mission developments and scientific findings as they become available.
