Axiom Space

Tibor Kapu, a mechanical engineer from Hungary, has successfully launched as a mission specialist aboard Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) to the International Space Station (ISS), marking a milestone for Hungary’s growing role in human space exploration. Born on November 5, 1991, in Nyíregyháza, Kapu’s journey from local classrooms to space reflects his dedication and passion for advancing science and technology. Kapu’s educational path began at Gyula Krúdy High School in Nyíregyháza, followed by degrees in mechanical engineering and polymer technology from the Budapest University of Technology and Economics. His professional experience spans pharmaceutical and logistics sectors, hybrid car battery development in the automotive industry, and advanced technology roles in Belgium and the United States. Since 2022, he has specialized in space radiation protection at an aerospace technology company. In 2023, Kapu was selected from 247 candidates as one of four Hungarians for the Hungarian to Orbit (HUNOR) Astronaut Program. This prestigious initiative aims to send Hungarian astronauts to space to conduct cutting-edge scientific experiments aboard the ISS. His rigorous training covered everything from aircraft piloting and space environment simulation to mental and physical endurance testing, alongside studies in space engineering, health, and flight history. Outside of his professional and scientific pursuits, Kapu is an avid recreational skydiver with 38 jumps and a dedicated runner who has completed 21 half marathons, reflecting his adventurous spirit. His participation in the Ax-4 mission not only furthers Hungary’s quest for knowledge beyond Earth but also showcases his personal commitment to exploration. Courtesy of Axiom Space.

Axiom-4

SpaceX and Axiom launched an all-private mission to the International Space Station. The Ax-4 crew lived and worked on the station, carrying out a full schedule of scientific, outreach, and commercial activities.

Crew Dragon is the first privately built and operated orbital spacecraft capable of flying humans. As a reusable SpaceX capsule, it transports crew members to and from the International Space Station. It will also carry paying customers to the Station and low Earth orbit. While it typically accommodates a crew of four, this number can vary depending on the mission.

Crew Dragon

Tibor Kapu

Hungary

NASA

SpaceX

This astronaut visited the International Space Station.

ISS Visitor

This astronaut crossed the Kármán Line (100 km), the internationally accepted boundary of space.

Crossed Kármán Line

This astronaut is in the top 5% for total spacewalking time.

Elite Spacewalker

This astronaut is in the top 5% for total time in space.

Elite Spaceflyer

This astronaut has spent over a month in space.

Space Resident

This astronaut is in the top 5% for number of space walks.

Frequent Walker

Axiom-2

United States of America

Saudi Arabia

SpaceX and Axiom launched the second all-private astronaut crew to the ISS. The Ax-2 crew spent 8 days working and living on the International Space Station to implement a full mission manifest of science, outreach, and commercial activities.

STS-111 (Endeavour)

This Space Shuttle flight rotated the Expedition 4 and 5 International Space Station crews and delivered Canadarm2's Mobile Base System, which gave the arm extra reach and mobility.

The first reusable launch and landing spacecraft, the Space Shuttle began a new chapter of human space exploration. It launched like a rocket but landed on a runway like a plane. Shuttle crews deployed dozens of commercial satellites and two interplanetary probes to Venus and Jupiter. The Shuttle served as a mini space station and hosted hundreds of biomedical, psychological, physiological, materials science, and physics experiments that have directly benefited life on Earth. The five flight-worthy Shuttles -- Columbia, Challenger, Discovery, Atlantis, and Endeavour -- flew 135 missions over 30 years. The Shuttles helped construct the Russian Mir space station and brought nearly 80% of the International Space Station to orbit. Shuttles also deployed and serviced the Hubble Space Telescope.

Space Shuttle

India

Poland

Soyuz TMA-11

Soyuz TMA-11 ferried part of the Expedition 16 crew to and from the International Space Station. Malaysian astronaut Shukor joined for a short duration mission, returning to Earth on Soyuz TMA-10. During reentry, the Service Module failed to separate from the Descent Module, resulting in a harsh and steep reentry and landing. The Soyuz reentered hatch first, nearly causing a burn through and the loss of the crew. The Service Module finally tore free, and Soyuz righted itself and landed safely.

Soyuz is a human-carrying capsule built and operated by Russia, capable of transporting up to three people to the Space Station at a time. It has been upgraded numerous times since its first use in the 1960s for the Soviet lunar program and was the only crewed vehicle for the Station from 2011 to 2020.

Soyuz

Soyuz MS-03

Soyuz MS-03 took three members of the Expedition 50 crew to the International Space Station. Whitson remained on the ISS after Soyuz MS-03's mission was complete and landed with the Soyuz MS-04

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