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, Peter Sztaray said.
He stressed that the HUNOR astronaut program is an epoch-making initiative and, as he pointed out, there are rarely moments like this in the life of a nation. 44 years after Bertalan Farkas' space flight, Hungary is once again on the brink 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. This does not represent his own goals, but rather
It also supports the scientific life of the world, the well-being of humanity and the development of Hungarian society and economy
– added the Minister of State.
Petr Sztaray also stated that this is a strategic area covering the most important areas of the 21st century and, according to him, we should see that in this huge competition taking place on the international arena, Hungary has a much bigger 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 that it affects all segments of the Hungarian economy and plays a major role in the ability of the Hungarian economy to reach this level of competitiveness.
The Hungarian astronaut will carry out the research program with other astronauts on the International Space Station. The experiences gained there will contribute seriously to the development of Hungarian science
Peter Sztaray said.
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.
(Cover photo: Selected research astronaut Tibor Kabo (j), Bertalán Farkas, the first Hungarian astronaut, and reserve astronaut Gyula Czerenyi (b) at the press conference in conjunction with the HUNOR Hungarian Astronaut Program Selection Ceremony at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade on May 28, 2024 Photography: Robert Hegedus/MTI)
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