Dr Slawosz Uznański has begun training at the European Astronaut Centre. In November last year, he was selected as a reserve astronaut for the European Space Agency (ESA) after a lengthy recruitment process with more than 22,500 applicants from ESA member countries. He is currently a candidate for a manned flight to the International Space Station, due to take place in the second half of 2024.

‘There are five astronauts in my career selection at the European Space Agency, that is, they are training to fly into space for long-term missions, primarily to the Space Station’, said Uznański.

The astronaut candidate admits that his training has only just begun, and he does not know what is ahead of him in the coming weeks and months. There is certainly a lot of work to do, such as learning more about space systems or operating the Dragon capsule.

“Obviously, quite a lot of mathematics, physics, biology, but also physical preparation, diet. I had quite an interesting training this week, I spent two days using professional cameras and camcorders, just to find out what equipment exists on the space station”, said the scientist.

Uznański indicated that if he manages to become the second Pole in space, he would be delighted.

“It is a big responsibility; I will try to fit in those proverbial shoes of General Hermaszewski (the first Pole in space). He was a big inspiration for several generations of Poles”, said the astronaut candidate.

He also mentioned that he is very connected with students and pupils, and his dream is to promote education, science, and technology. “To build world technology in Poland, and to participate in world science to a greater extent than it is today. And I know that we have enormous potential, enormous human talent”, Uznański concluded.

Arkadiusz Słomczyński