Excited about impact of experiments part of the mission: Tibor Kapu
Shubhanshu Shukla
have trained side by side—navigating spacecraft systems, running emergency drills, enduring isolation simulations, and even learning to fly—preparing for a shared journey that will carry them far beyond Earth.
When they launch aboard the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) on June 8, Kapu will represent Hungary on its historic first spaceflight. In an exclusive interview to TOI, Kapu reflects on how his research-driven mindset shapes his approach to space missions, the Hungarian experiments he's taking to orbit, and the technologies he believes will redefine our future in space.
Excerpts:
What are the most exciting scientific experiments/innovations you hope to contribute to during the mission?
I'm particularly excited about the diversity and potential impact of the Hungarian scientific experiments.
One highlight is studying how microgravity affects the human microbiome — understanding its effect on bacterial, viral, and fungal communities in the body could be vital for long-term spaceflight and even medicine on Earth. We're also testing a medical device: a novel, nanofibrous eye insert without any active pharmaceutical ingredients.
Another project spins a water sphere to mimic planetary dynamics—an engaging way to teach physics.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Trading CFD dengan Teknologi dan Kecepatan Lebih Baik
IC Markets
Mendaftar
We'll also be testing microfluidic drug chips and a Hungarian-developed personal dosimetry device for radiation monitoring.
How has your engineering & research background influenced your approach to space missions?
My background has greatly helped me in preparation. Analytical skills and problem-solving techniques I've developed over the years have been valuable while training for space exploration. Engineering principles guide my understanding of spacecraft systems and mission protocols, while my research experience helps me appreciate scientific objectives and experiments.
This combination allows me to contribute effectively to mission execution, ensuring we maximise scientific return while maintaining safety and efficiency.
Given your tech background, what future advancements do you believe will impact space exploration?
I believe the future lies in space radiation protection, advanced materials, and autonomous systems. These are key to long-duration missions. New materials will improve spacecraft durability, while autonomy will allow deeper exploration with less human input.
These technologies will also benefit life on Earth—enhancing medicine and sustainability. Satellite constellations and on-orbit data processing are also exciting; we're beginning to shift high-energy activities into orbit, easing Earth's burden.
What does it feel like to be part of a private mission like Ax-4?
It's incredibly special, especially to represent Hungary on its first mission to the ISS. Growing up, I was fascinated by space.
This mission is a dream come true—not just for me, but for many aspiring scientists back home. It's a proud moment that showcases Hungary's contribution to international collaboration and will hopefully inspire future generations.
With your experience in high-stakes environments, how do you prepare for the challenges of living and working in space?
We've undergone comprehensive training across physical, technical, and psychological domains.
This includes learning spacecraft systems, practising emergency procedures, and maintaining fitness. Psychological readiness is equally crucial—we focus on resilience and effective communication. In Hungary, we had an intense two-year selection and training process: survival training, aerobatics, hyperbaric chamber testing, and private pilot licensing.
We studied rocket theory, space engineering, and space health, and underwent isolation training. In the US, this was expanded with demanding simulations—from donning pressurised suits to emergency drills inside full-scale ISS mockups. Every phase has prepared us for the rigours of spaceflight.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
24 minutes ago
- The Hindu
DRDO pushes for hypersonic edge against evolving air threats
DRDO chairman Samir V. Kamat has urged the Kalam Missile Complex to focus on developing faster, stealthier and more agile missiles, particularly hypersonic systems, to counter emerging threats from advanced air defence technologies. Speaking at a one-day workshop at the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) on Saturday, also highlighted several DRDO-developed systems that played a key role in 'Operation Sindoor'. He congratulated the team and stressed the need to accelerate the induction of weapon systems currently undergoing user trials. Top defence scientists at the meet deliberated on the performance of the indigenous hi-tech missile systems such as Akash air-defence, Brahmos, MRSAM, ULPGM, all of which have been developed at the missile complex in Hyderabad and had played a stellar role in Operation Sindoor. Director General of Missiles and Strategic Systems, U. Raja Babu said the missile complex is involved in design and development of a diverse range of missiles across multiple platforms, capable of striking targets from underwater to outer space. He affirmed that the complex is well-equipped to take on any challenging project assigned to it. Former DRDO chairman G. Satheesh Reddy urged scientists and users to collaborate on creating innovative missile designs with cutting-edge technologies and strategic surprise elements to ensure success in future conflicts. The workshop also featured an exhibition showcasing sub-systems of various weapons used in Operation Sindoor. Distinguished scientist and DRDL director G.A. Srinivasa Murthy, former director Lt. Gen V.J. Sundaram, BrahMos Aerospace founder A. Sivathanu Pillai, former Akash weapon system project director Prahlada and organising committee chairman G. Raja Singh Thangadurai also addressed the gathering, according to a press release.
Deccan Herald
an hour ago
- Deccan Herald
Meta appoints ChatGPT co-creator as Superintelligence Lab chief
Meta Platforms has appointed Shengjia Zhao, co-creator of ChatGPT, as chief scientist of its Superintelligence Lab, CEO Mark Zuckerberg said on Friday, as the company accelerates its push into advanced AI. "In this role, Shengjia will set the research agenda and scientific direction for our new lab working directly with me and Alex," Zuckerberg wrote in a Threads post, referring to Meta's Chief AI Officer Alexandr Wang, who Zuckerberg hired from startup Scale AI when Meta took a big stake in it. Zhao, a former research scientist at OpenAI, co-created ChatGPT, GPT-4 and several of OpenAI's mini models, including 4.1 and o3. He is among several researchers who have moved from OpenAI to Meta in recent weeks, part of a broader talent arms race as Zuckerberg aggressively hires from rivals to close the gap in advanced AI. Meta has been offering some of Silicon Valley's most lucrative pay packages and striking startup deals to attract top researchers, a strategy that follows the underwhelming performance of its Llama 4 model. Meta launched the Superintelligence Lab recently to consolidate work on its Llama models and long-term artificial general intelligence ambitions. Zhao is a co-founder of the lab, according to the Threads post, which operates separately from FAIR, Meta's established AI research division led by deep learning pioneer Yann LeCun. Zuckerberg has said Meta aims to build 'full general intelligence' and release its work as open source — a strategy that has drawn both praise and concern within the AI community.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
‘NASA is under attack': Massive NASA layoffs see 20% staff fired amid Donald Trump's fund cuts; nationwide protests erupt
Image: Nearly 20% of NASA's workforce — approximately 3,870 employees — have exited the agency following major funding cuts under the Trump administration's plan to downsize federal agencies. The layoffs stem from the Deferred Resignation Program, with officials describing the move as an effort to make NASA 'leaner and more efficient.' The decision has triggered widespread backlash from scientists, engineers, and space policy experts, who warn of serious risks to the agency's future missions. Nationwide protests erupted over the weekend, with current and former employees calling the move a direct threat to America's leadership in space. NASA fires thousands under federal downsizing drive The second round of the Deferred Resignation Program, which closed late Friday, saw roughly 3,000 resignations on top of 870 from the first wave of departures after Trump returned to office. Including regular attrition, NASA's workforce has shrunk from over 18,000 to around 14,000, marking a 20% reduction. Those resigning have been placed on administrative leave until their official exit. The move was orchestrated under the Department of Government Efficiency, currently led by Elon Musk. NASA insists that safety remains a top priority, yet internal experts are raising alarms about the loss of institutional knowledge and highly skilled personnel. With Mars and Moon missions central to the Trump administration's ambitions, critics argue these cuts threaten mission readiness. Former NASA officials and space industry leaders are questioning the agency's capacity to manage complex space programs in the coming years. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Live Comfortably: 60m2 prefabricated bungalow for the elderly in Tebas Pre Fabricated Homes | Search Ads Search Now Undo Protests erupt over 'brain drain' and loss of legacy Protests have broken out in several cities including Houston, Washington D.C., and Cape Canaveral, where current and former NASA staff, union representatives, and supporters gathered to oppose the mass layoffs. A letter titled The Voyager Declaration, signed by hundreds of former employees, warns that irreplaceable expertise is being lost at a critical moment for U.S. space exploration. 'This is not streamlining,' one protestor said, 'this is sabotage.' Doubts over leadership as Trump's NASA pick falters Adding to the turmoil, NASA is still being led by an acting administrator after tech billionaire Jared Isaacman, Trump's initial nominee backed by Elon Musk, was rejected for the role. In the absence of permanent leadership, critics argue that the agency is navigating its most challenging transformation without a clear long-term vision or stable command structure.
