The Ignis mission is Poland’s contribution to Ax-4, the fourth private astronaut mission organised by Axiom Space. During the mission, Sławosz will conduct 13 scientific experiments and technology demonstrations proposed by Polish institutions and developed in collaboration with ESA, exploring areas of human health, new technologies, materials science and biotechnology in space. In addition, he will support three ESA-led experiments focused on bone health and muscle stimulation.
A global training effort
To prepare for the mission, Sławosz has trained at facilities across Europe, the United States and Japan. At the European Astronaut Centre in Cologne, Germany, he focused on ESA’s Columbus laboratory and the scientific payloads he will support in orbit, as well as the module’s communications systems and emergency procedures.
At NASA facilities across the USA, his training covered emergencies—such as fire response, depressurisation and medical scenarios—as well as daily operations and payload handling aboard the Space Station. At SpaceX, in Hawthorne, USA, he trained on the Dragon spacecraft and Falcon 9 launch vehicle, including suit fittings, pressurisation tests and emergency simulations.
At Axiom Space in Houston, USA, the programme included familiarisation with mission objectives, safety protocols and the dedicated mission teams who will support the crew throughout the mission. Training at JAXA’s Tsukuba Space Center in Japan, focused on understanding the operation of the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM), known as Kibō, Japan’s contribution to the International Space Station.
Beyond the classroom, Sławosz’s mission preparation also included some off-the-ground experiences. He took part in parabolic flights to experience microgravity and completed helicopter water survival training, while outdoor expedition exercises in remote environments helped him build resilience and teamwork.
Looking ahead
With launch day approaching, Sławosz reflects on the journey so far and the mission ahead:
“I’m extremely excited about the mission and looking forward to the launch,” he says. “One of the moments I’ll try to cherish is floating towards the Cupola window and looking back at home.”
Ignis marks a milestone for Polish and European science and highlights the growing role of international and commercial partnerships in space exploration.
Stay tuned for more updates on Sławosz and the Ignis website during the mission.