The Crew Dragon capsule carrying Polish astronaut Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski successfully docked with the International Space Station on June 26, completing Poland’s first crewed space mission since 1978.

Uznański-Wiśniewski launched into orbit on June 25 aboard the Axiom Mission 4, departing from NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida. The four-person crew includes former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, Indian pilot Shubhanshu Shukla and Hungarian astronaut Tibor Kapu.

“I hope this marks the beginning of a technological Poland – a vision of our country represented in places like the ISS or the most advanced laboratories,” Uznański-Wiśniewski said. 

Ax-4 had faced repeated delays since its original launch date of May 29, due to technical faults in the Crew Dragon capsule, adverse weather, an oxygen leak on the Falcon rocket, and issues with Russia’s Zvezda module on the ISS.

Speaking from orbit shortly after launch, Uznański-Wiśniewski addressed viewers in Poland. 

“Dear Polish women and men, today we are making a major leap toward Poland’s technological future. A future built on science, knowledge and vision. Let this mission mark the beginning of an era in which our courage and determination shape a modern Poland for ourselves and for future generations,” Uznański-Wiśniewski said.

“Space always united people. Today, I carry a part of each of you into orbit – your strength, your hope, your trust. I am not alone in space. I represent us all. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your trust. Kosmos dla wszystkich. Space for everyone,” Uznański-Wiśniewski also said.

Finance Minister Andrzej Domański defended the estimated €65mn cost of the mission, calling it a long-term investment. “Poland must invest in research and participate in the development of key technologies, including those related to space,” Domański said. He added that Poland is now positioning itself among the leading investors in advanced technologies.

“Every euro invested in the space sector means a €3-€6 return for the economy,” Domański also said.

According to space industry expert Maciej Myśliwiec, Uznański-Wiśniewski’s flight reflects the growing role of Polish firms in European space initiatives. 

“His flight is the result of increased contributions to ESA, which return to Polish companies through grants and contracts. This is a major milestone for the Polish space sector,” Myśliwiec told OKO.press, an independent news outlet.

Uznański-Wiśniewski is conducting 13 experiments aboard the ISS, developed by Polish universities and private companies. These include studies in biomedicine, materials science, artificial intelligence, and technologies intended for future space exploration – areas never before researched in orbit under the Polish flag.