Poland’s Man in Space – Ignis Mission and First Impressions from Space

Ignis is the first Polish technological and scientific mission to the International Space Station, carried out in cooperation with the European Space Agency and Axiom Space. The crew, including the Polish astronaut, launched on 25 June 2025 at 8:31 a.m. Polish time. The mission will last approximately 16 days, with about two weeks spent aboard the ISS.

“I’m not even sure whether to say ‘good morning’ or ‘good evening.’ I don’t know what time it is for you up there. But I want you to know one thing – all of us here are very much looking forward to your return to Earth, and to Poland,” said Prime Minister Donald Tusk during the live video call with the ISS.

Dr. Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski is the second Pole in space, and the first to travel to the International Space Station. The Prime Minister asked him about his experience of weightlessness. However, what made the biggest impression on the astronaut was the view of Earth from orbit.

“Weightlessness is an incredible feeling, but the thing that moved me the most was seeing Earth from above. We were lucky that while traveling aboard the Dragon capsule to the ISS, we passed over Europe and had the chance to see our countries – the European Union, Poland – for the first time. I saw the Hel Peninsula!” said Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski.

Poland Increasingly Active in Space

During the Ignis Mission, 13 Polish experiments in the fields of technology, biology, medicine, and psychology are being carried out – all developed by Polish scientists and engineers. Many of these solutions could be applied on Earth.

“I believe that all of Poland sees this as a huge boost – that what you’re doing, supported by Polish technologies and experiments, is opening our window wide to space and an ambitious future. I’d really like you to tell young Poles how important innovation, creativity, and courage are – and that it’s worth having the courage to reach further – all the way to space,” said Prime Minister Tusk.

The Polish government takes the potential of the space sector very seriously – not just for innovation and the economy, but also for military applications.

“I’m convinced that Polish experiments – both those conducted here today and the access our scientists and engineers have to facilities like the ISS – will be crucial in building our technological future,” said Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski.

Poland is becoming an increasingly active player in the space sector – involved in both its own national space program and international initiatives. The country aims to secure a strong position in the European and global space industry. As of now, Poland ranks 7th among countries investing the most in space technologies. For the years 2023–2025, Poland has pledged over PLN 2 billion to the European Space Agency.