Major milestones in Hungarian space era
Although Hungary is a small country, it is still a proud and significant player in the world of space exploration.
Without aiming for completeness, we would like to showcase a few examples of Hungary’s achievements in recent years:
The start of Hungarian space exploration:
• 1st organization related to space exploration: the Hungarian Astronomical Association
• physicist Zoltán Bay - Moon Radar experiment: successfully measuring the distance between Earth and the Moon using radio waves, making Hungary one of the pioneers in space exploration from that year onwards
• physicist Zoltán Bay - Moon Radar experiment: successfully measuring the distance between Earth and the Moon using radio waves, making Hungary one of the pioneers in space exploration from that year onwards
Pivotal year for Hungary’s space endeavors
Bertalan Farkas, the first Hungarian astronaut, flew into space between May 26 and June 3, 1980, becoming the seventh individual from Earth to do so among the world’s nations. His spaceflight was conducted as part of the Soviet space exploration program within the framework of the Soviet Union. He traveled aboard Soyuz 36, which was launched into space under the command of cosmonaut Aleksy Yeliseyev. Bertalan Farkas’ mission held historical significance as he remains the first and only Hungarian scientist-astronaut to have ever participated in space travel. During his journey in space, he conducted numerous scientific experiments, making significant contributions to the advancement of space exploration and science.
Sally Ride, the first American female astronaut, tested the Pille dosimeter on board the Challenger. The main purpose of the Pille dosimeter was to measure ionizing radiation in the astronaut’s environment, and its measurements during her spaceflight contributed to a better understanding of radiation levels in space and improved astronaut safety.
Hungarian participation played a significant role in the missions to Halley’s Comet and Venus spacecraft programs.
Hungary begins its collaboration with ESA
Pille dosimeter is placed on ISS
Hungarian-born Charles Simonyi spent two weeks aboard the ISS, where he conducted scientific experiments, including experiments with the Pille dosimeter.
The first Hungarian satellite, Masat-1, was placed into orbit. A significant milestone in Hungarian space activities is February 13, 2012, when the Masat-1, a fully Hungarian-built picosatellite developed by Budapest University of Technology and Economics, was successfully launched as part of the experimental launch of the European Space Agency's Vega launcher.
The conquest of a comet’s nucleus surface, where Hungarian participation played a crucial role in the development of the Philae lander for the Rosetta spacecraft.
Hungary becomes a full member of ESA.
Since 2018, the tasks related to space activities in Hungary have been carried out by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, which has established the Space Affairs Division, led by Dr. Orsolya Ferencz, Ministerial Commissioner for Space Affairs.
Hungary succeeds in launching the first operational 'Pocket Satellite,' the SMOG-P, into orbit.
• Space Strategy, published in the Hungarian Gazette on August 18, 2021. These points outline Hungary's opportunities and directions in the field of space research and space activities.
• The ministry announced the opportunity for the second Hungarian researcher-astronaut to spend 30 days aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The program is officially named 'HUNOR' (Hungarian to Orbit).
• The Hungarian Astronautical Society presented a unique book titled 'Hungary and Space.' This groundbreaking book, complemented with QR codes providing access to online content, explores in great detail the nearly 80-year history of Hungarian space research and industry, showcasing the past and present of domestic space exploration.
• The ministry announced the opportunity for the second Hungarian researcher-astronaut to spend 30 days aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The program is officially named 'HUNOR' (Hungarian to Orbit).
• The Hungarian Astronautical Society presented a unique book titled 'Hungary and Space.' This groundbreaking book, complemented with QR codes providing access to online content, explores in great detail the nearly 80-year history of Hungarian space research and industry, showcasing the past and present of domestic space exploration.
• More than 240 applications were received for the HUNOR Program.
• UniSpace program was launched: bringing together 17 Hungarian universities to launch a three-semester interdisciplinary space science specialization program in four fields: Space Technology Specialist, Innovative Nutrition and Space Health Sciences, Space Science Specialist, Space Policy Advisor Specialist Postgraduate Program.
• UniSpace program was launched: bringing together 17 Hungarian universities to launch a three-semester interdisciplinary space science specialization program in four fields: Space Technology Specialist, Innovative Nutrition and Space Health Sciences, Space Science Specialist, Space Policy Advisor Specialist Postgraduate Program.
On March 7, 2023, the HUNOR Program introduced four astronaut candidates. One of these individuals will have the opportunity to travel to the ISS aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft at the end of 2024 or early 2025. The Hungarian astronaut will conduct research on the International Space Station, and preparations are already underway for various experiments and the equipment needed for those experiments.
The four astronaut candidates are:
András Szakály (aircraft design engineer)
Ádám Schlégl (clinical orthopedic surgeon)
Gyula Cserényi (electrical engineer)
Tibor Kapu (engineer)