The mission specialist revealed that he has already planted the first pepper, radish, and wheat seeds for microgravity testing.Continue reading
“I am four hundred kilometers above Earth, where radiation is 360 times stronger than in Hungary and water floats in the air in spherical shapes,” Tibor Kapu, Hungary’s second astronaut in space, reported live, during his mission as part of the HUNOR program (Hungarian to Orbit astronaut program).
Tibor Kapu was chosen from 247 applicants to travel to space, where he is conducting experiments developed by Hungarian researchers over many years.
Currently, 25 of the 60 experiments on the Ax-4 mission are of Hungarian origin, which Tibor Kapu describes as “a huge word and a huge number.”
The astronaut emphasized that his job is not to invent the experiments, but to carry them out precisely. “These researchers have practically entrusted me with their babies,” he said, referring to the responsibility that the successful implementation of projects developed by Hungarian scientists over many years, or even decades, represents for him. The experiments focus on two main areas: investigating the effects of weightlessness and increased radiation, with a particular focus on long-term space travel, such as a future expedition to Mars.
Everyday life on the space station is intense: the crew gets up early, goes to bed late, and in between, they conduct continuous research. The current international crew of eleven represents six countries, and seven of them are in space for the first time.
Kapu proudly demonstrated the wonders of microgravity, such as how water droplets float in the air in a spherical shape due to surface tension.
He described the launch as the most exciting experience: “Eight and a half minutes of tremendous acceleration, forces and noise,” followed by sudden silence and weightlessness. His message to his young compatriots is to hold on to their dreams, believe in themselves, and nurture their relationships with others, because “my journey is certainly not the journey of just one person.”
Via Index; Featured photo: Facebook/HUNOR – Magyar Űrhajós Program