The SpaceX Dragon capsule carrying the crew of the Axiom-4 mission, including Hungarian astronaut Tibor Kapu, disengaged from the International Space Station (ISS) at 1.15 PM CET on Monday and started its journey back to Earth.

Axiom-4 with a Hungarian astronaut

In July 2025, Hungary celebrated a landmark achievement in its scientific and technological history as Tibor Kapu became the second Hungarian astronaut to travel to space. Kapu’s journey aboard the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission, operated by SpaceX and Axiom Space, marked Hungary’s return to human spaceflight after a 45-year hiatus. The mission concluded with the successful disengagement of the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft from the International Space Station (ISS) on 14 July 2025.

Mission overview

The Axiom-4 crew, led by veteran astronaut Peggy Whitson, included Indian pilot Shubhanshu Shukla, Polish mission specialist Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski, and Hungarian mission specialist Tibor Kapu. The team launched from Kennedy Space Center on 25 June 2025, and docked with the ISS the following day. Over two weeks, they conducted nearly 60 scientific experiments, with Kapu spearheading 25 projects under Hungary’s HUNOR (Hungarian to Orbit) program. Read details HERE: Tibor Kapu makes history as Hungarian astronaut reaches International Space Station!

Tibor Kapu: Hungary’s new space pioneer

Tibor Kapu is the first Hungarian astronaut in space since Bertalan Farkas’s mission in 1980.

Kapu was selected through the HUNOR program, which aims to foster Hungary’s participation in international space research and inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.

Mission highlights

• Scientific research: Kapu’s work focused on biomedical studies, material science, and space nutrition, including experiments with direct relevance to cancer and diabetes research. These projects were designed to advance understanding of microgravity’s effects on human physiology and materials, contributing both to global science and Hungary’s growing space industry.
• International collaboration: The Ax-4 mission underscored Hungary’s commitment to international scientific cooperation, working alongside astronauts from India and Poland under the guidance of a seasoned American commander.

Return to Earth

After completing their research objectives, the Ax-4 crew prepared for departure by packing scientific samples and personal items into the Dragon capsule. The spacecraft disengaged from the ISS on 14 July 2025, beginning the crew’s journey home.

The capsule is expected to land near the coast of California on Tuesday morning, after a 22.5 hour journey.

Agreement on space industry network signed

Nine universities, two ministries and the HUN-REN Hungarian Research Network signed an agreement on Monday on the establishment of a space industry network.

The Hungarian Spacelab Network will advance cooperation and build on results, including experiments conducted by the Hungarian astronaut Tibor Kapu, Culture and Innovation Minister Balázs Hankó said at the signing ceremony. He added that Hungary’s presence in the space industry and space research was a mark of the country’s excellence in research, education and science.

He said many had expressed doubts when the Hungarian to Orbit (HUNOR) programme had launched, but now the goal had been achieved. He acknowledged the support of HUN-REN, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Culture and Innovation Ministry, and local universities in achieving that goal.

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