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Named after the Latin word for “fire,” Ignis is Poland’s technological and scientific mission to the International Space Station.

The central motif of the patch features an eagle, referencing Poland’s national emblem. Its white and red wings reflect the colours and design of the Polish flag, while its tail gracefully forms a flame, symbolising the mission’s name – Ignis.

The eagle’s outstretched wings trace the contours of the Orla Perć mountain range in the Polish Tatra Mountains. Known as the most challenging range in Poland, it symbolises courage and perseverance.

Within the mission’s name, the second ‘i’ is stylised as the International Space Station. Above it, stars converge to form the Scutum constellation, paying tribute to its discoverer, astronomer Johannes Hevelius (1611–1687), who was born in Gdańsk, Poland. Finally, a silver line represents the horizon, signifying the dawn of a new era in space exploration.

As part of Axiom Mission 4, ESA project astronaut Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski is conducting a series of experiments—led by ESA and proposed by the Polish space industry—that aim to advance our understanding of science, technology and life in microgravity.

Stay tuned to the Ignis mission page and the ESA Exploration blog for updates from orbit.