Finally! Today, after respective unsuccessful approaches, Axis 4 has embarked on a space mission with the second Polish astronaut Dr. Sławomi Uznański-Wiśniewski on board. During his stay at the global Space Station, the scientist will conduct 13 experiments for Polish companies and institutions. 2 of them were developed by specialists from the Military method Academy.
Falcon 9 rocket with Dragon capsule launched from Space Center. J. F. Kennedy in Florida today, June 25, at 8.31 Polish time. 1 of the 4 participants of the mission is Pole – Dr. Sławomir Uznański-Wiśniewski. During his two-week stay at ISS global Space Station, the scientist will conduct investigation and tests related to projects proposed by Polish technological institutions and the space industry. These programmes were selected as part of a competition announced by the European Space Agency (ESA) in cooperation with the Ministry of improvement and Technology and the Polish Space Agency (POLSA). Among the 13 winning projects were 2 submitted by the Centre for Biomedical Engineering of the Institute of Optoelectronics of the Military method Academy of Warsaw.
Dr. Uznański-Wiśniewski will carry out experiments, among others, within the framework of the "Immune Multiomics" project, which aims to realize how microgravity affects the immune strategy of man. Through analysis of astronaut blood cells, scientists from WAT want to examine whether their immune strategy changes during their stay on the ISS and whether everything returns to average after returning to Earth.
– We hope that the experimentation will let to discover fresh mechanisms liable for changes in the expression of genes in immune cells under microgravity conditions. cognition of these mechanisms may in the future let for more effective care of the wellness of astronauts," says Dr. Alicja Trębińska-Stryjewska, the task manager.
The second WAT task – ‘Human Gut Microbiota’ – besides concerns the impact of low gravity on astronaut wellness and focuses on changes in their intestinal microbiobiota. – The experimentation concerns the investigating of microorganisms surviving in the human digestive tract under environmentally hazardous conditions. These organisms are called intestinal microbiota and human well-being depends on them – explains prof. Elżbieta Trafny.
Research results may affect future nutritional strategies of astronauts in low orbit around the Earth. They will aid to improve the wellness and efficiency of space mission participants.
Film: NASA
Other projects carried out by the Polish astronaut concern, among others, applications of artificial intelligence solutions in space (Leopardiss), monitoring of sound levels on the ISS (Wireless Acoustics), the usage of microglones in future space missions and space medicine (Space Volcanic Algae), studies of the impact of cosmic isolation on human intellectual wellness (Astromentalhealth), control of brain activity by focusing or relaxing (EEG Neurofeedback) or studies of the impact of space missions on the soft tissues of astronauts (Astro Performance).
The programs were submitted by universities: University of Silesia, University of Szczecin, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Academy of Physical Education and athletics in Gdańsk, AGH University, Centre of Polymer and Carbon Materials of the Polish Academy of Sciences and companies: KP Labs, Extremo Technologies, Svantek, Cortivision, Sigma Labs and Smarter Diagnostics. – The implementation of experiments in micro-gravity conditions will increase the competitiveness of Polish investigation and accelerate the commercialisation of Polish space technologies – says prof. Grzegorz Wrochna, president of the Polish Space Agency, in the communication of the institution. As he adds, each of the planned experiments will not only contribute to the improvement of technological knowledge, but besides offer a unique chance for applicable application of investigation results in future technological solutions on Earth.
Dr. Sławomi Uznański-Wiśniewski, an engineer working at the European Organization for atomic investigation CERN in Geneva, is the second astronaut in Polish past for General Mirosław Hermaszewski, who flew into space. The Falcon 9 rocket with a Pole on board was originally scheduled to launch from the Space Center on 11 June, but Axiom Space, which organizes the flight, repeatedly postponed the flight due to method problems detected during the test of rocket engines and strong wind.
Dear Polish people and Poles! present we are taking a immense step towards the technological future of Poland. Poland based on science, cognition and vision. Let this mission be the beginning of an era in which our courage and tenacity form modern Poland for us and for future generations – said the astronaut on board the Dragon capsule. Good luck, Mr. Sławomir! This is simply a wonderful and historical minute for the full nation – he addressed the astronaut via the social media Deputy Prime Minister and national defence minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamish.
