The astronaut selected for the HUNOR Galactic Astronaut Program will not be a space tourist, but rather a research astronaut who will conduct serious scientific research as part of the program – said the State Secretary responsible for Security Policy and Energy Security at the ceremony in Budapest on Tuesday, where the selected ones were introduced, Research astronaut Tibor Kapu and backup astronaut Gyula Sereni.
Peter Sztaray stressed that the HUNOR astronaut program is an epoch-making initiative. As he said, there are rarely moments in the life of a nation, such high national issues as this moment, when 44 years after Bertalan Farkas' space flight, Hungary is once again on the verge of sending a research astronaut into space.
According to the presentation made by the Secretary of State, the Hungarian space program developed over the past six years has several legs; One of the pillars of the program is the consortium created in cooperation with 21 Hungarian universities, the essence of which is to coordinate the research work in the different workshops and make it more efficient.
He added that most scientific research is working to ensure the success of this space flight, and that after four decades, Hungary will once again gain its own experiences in outer space, and will also be able to use its own scientific research and developments. He added that these matters do not represent an end in themselves, but “support scientific life in the world, the well-being of humanity, and the development of Hungarian society and economy.”
Peter Sztaray stated: This is a strategic area, and it is the 21st century. Covers the most important areas of the twentieth century. He stressed that we have to see that in this huge competition taking place on the international scene, Hungary has a much greater role compared to its size.
Regarding the economic importance of the program, he said that it is an area that will generate approximately one thousand billion dollars by 2040. This means – drawing attention – that it affects all segments of the Hungarian economy, and has a serious role in ensuring that the Hungarian economy reaches this level of competitiveness.
The Hungarian astronaut will carry out the research program with other astronauts on the International Space Station. He said that the experiences gained there will contribute seriously to the development of Hungarian science.
Addressing the shortlisted candidates, the Foreign Minister wished that research astronaut Tibor Kapu and reserve astronaut Gyula Cereny continue this work with perseverance and bring pride and success to the nation.
