A series of events marking the first anniversary of the launch of Hungary’s second research astronaut, Tibor Kapu, began on Thursday at Budapest’s Millenáris Park, where Science and Technology Minister Zoltán Tanács announced that Kapu will lead the HUNOR programme for its final six months as the government prepares a broader overhaul of the country’s space strategy.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Tanács recalled that after Bertalan Farkas became Hungary’s first astronaut in 1980, Kapu’s launch aboard the HUNOR programme as part of the Axiom-4 mission from the Kennedy Space Center on 25 June 2025, returned Hungary to space after 45 years.

The minister said the mission had prompted questions over whether the investment of tens of billions of forints had been worthwhile, arguing that spending on space exploration should be viewed as an investment in the country’s future rather than a competing budget priority.

He described the space industry as one of the fastest-growing sectors globally and said it could become a cornerstone of Hungary’s strategy to shift its economy toward research, development and other high-value-added industries.

‘Tibor Kapu’s mission showed that Hungary has returned to the ranks of high-tech nations in one of the world’s most competitive industries,’ Tanács said, describing the HUNOR programme as a catalyst for future development.

Although the programme is scheduled to conclude at the end of the year, the minister announced that he had asked Kapu to head HUNOR during its remaining six months.

According to Tanács, Kapu’s first task will be to help renew Hungary’s national space strategy. Further priorities include making the space sector an integral part of the wider economy, strengthening cooperation with the European Space Agency (ESA), and establishing the regulatory and institutional framework needed for long-term growth.

The minister said no final government decisions had yet been made, as professional consultations and programme development are still underway. However, the government intends to develop, with Kapu’s involvement, a concept that could include establishing a Hungarian space agency and the drafting of a dedicated national space law. These initiatives could form the basis of Hungary’s next phase of space activities from 2027 onward.

Kapu said that over the past year, he and his colleagues had visited 122 locations in Hungary and abroad, sharing their experiences with at least 40,000 people. In recent months, much of that work has focused on visiting schools and kindergartens to inspire children to pursue careers in science and space exploration.

He said the goal was to ensure that the next generation understands space research and believes that ambitious goals are achievable regardless of where someone comes from.

‘I believe we are contributing to a more modern and courageous Hungary,’ Kapu said, adding that he was proud to accept his new responsibilities and hoped to help elevate Hungary’s space activities to a new level.

Kapu also noted that responsibility for coordinating Hungary’s space activities had been divided among various institutions over the past two years, welcoming the decision to place these efforts under the Ministry of Science and Technology as a basis for future development.

The anniversary event also features presentations by Kapu and fellow trained research astronaut Gyula Cserényi, who are sharing their experiences from the HUNOR programme.

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