Axiom Space and Hungary Sign MOU To Expand Relationship in Space
WASHINGTON (Axiom Space PR) — Axiom Space and the Hungarian government’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to further their existing relationship in human spaceflight and to advance opportunities in space research and technology development. The agreement between Axiom and Hungary was signed on July 20, 2022, in Washington, D.C.
The main focus of the new agreement is to further the Hungarian to Orbit (HUNOR) program, Hungary’s astronaut program, which aims to send a Hungarian astronaut to the International Space Station (ISS) via a future Axiom Space commercial astronaut mission. Building off the first agreement between Axiom and the Hungarian government, signed on December of 2021, which formalized a partnership to return a Hungarian astronaut to space, this MOU enables a wide range of cooperation and possible joint developments between Axiom Space and Hungary. It acknowledges both the importance the company plays in helping to define the future of human space flight, including through the future Axiom Station, as well as the capacities and space heritage of the Hungarian space sector.
“As we enter this new era of commercial spaceflight, it is vital that the U.S. space industry continues forging relationships with nations committed to collaborating in microgravity research and bringing those benefits back to the people of Earth. The U.S. has a long history of international cooperation in space, bringing countries together for the purpose of benefiting all humans, everywhere,” said Michael Suffredini, President and CEO of Axiom Space
“This second agreement between Hungary and Axiom Space builds on efforts to cultivate a robust economy in space by engaging government and industry partnerships. Such collaborations have the power to transform what was once only imaginable,” said Suffredini. “We look forward to expanding our relationship with Hungary to include new initiatives in human spaceflight, science, and STEM.”
This new agreement underscores Axiom Space and Hungary’s common interest to utilize space for peaceful purposes and promote scientific advancement through international collaboration. Under this agreement, Axiom and Hungary will collaborate to enable scientific research and technology demonstrations in microgravity, develop in-space manufacturing capabilities, and inspire the next generation of a strong and capable STEM workforce.
“This partnership with Axiom Space is an important investment that will provide opportunities conduct research in microgravity, strengthen the Hungarian Astronaut Program, and enhance Hungary’s work towards advancing space research and technology development. Together, we are confident that the space industry will play a crucial role in the development of our economy and are both committed to investing into this high-tech and knowledge-based sector. The adoption of the first Hungarian governmental Space Strategy that was established last year signifies our commitment towards expanding our involvement and presence in space.” said Péter Szijjártó, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary.
The growing relationship between Axiom Space and Hungary symbolizes the company’s commitment to provide opportunities to nations across the globe who share an appreciation for the benefits provided by microgravity while strengthening bonds between nations and the world at-large.
About Axiom Space
Axiom Space is guided by the vision of a thriving home in space that benefits every human, everywhere. The leading provider of human spaceflight services and developer of human-rated space infrastructure, Axiom operates end-to-end missions to the International Space Station today while privately building its successor, Axiom Station, the first permanent commercial destination in Earth’s orbit that will sustain human growth off the planet and bring untold benefits back home.
5 responses to “Axiom Space and Hungary Sign MOU To Expand Relationship in Space”
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I wish they would have picked a different country than Hungary. Orlan is really problematic, and their whole stance on the Russia/Ukraine situation only makes it worse.
I’m sure they are trying to pick lots of different countries. Astronauts from countries with powerpoint space programs are a target market for Axiom. But it could turn out that many of those actually ready to pony up the cash are run by tin pot dictators. Nations like Ireland and Norway may be less eager to indulge in pricey flag waving exercises.
The European countries are mostly members of ESA anyway, including Hungary. But for the smaller and/or more impecunious nations that is, admittedly, not a route that’s going to get any of their nationals into space on the basis of “waiting their turn” anytime soon. That may be what’s motivating Hungary to step up on its own account. And “pricey” is a relative term. Continuing membership in ESA isn’t free either. Hungary, at least, may figure it will get more for what it pays Axiom than it will by just sitting and waving from the back of the ESA convertible while the ticker-tape falls just on Brits, Canadians, French, Germans and Italians. If that is, indeed, the Hungarian point of view, I can certainly understand it.
That would be Orban. Orlan is a Russian space suit. Orban has favored Russia rhetorically, but has also supported sanctions and made no objection to Finland and Sweden joining the NATO ranks. His non-rhetorical “contributions” to the Russian cause have been limited to not providing any weaponry to Ukraine and to forbidding any weaponry provided by other nations from traversing Hungary on its way to Ukraine. He is, in classic Mitteleuropan fashion, simply hedging his bets while tilting, in most practical respects, toward the West.
Watch out, you will get excommunicated and become a confirmed enemy of the NewSpace Mob making comments like that. Just like I am.
Orban is the hero of the proto-fascists planning to overthrow the U.S. government. He got a standing ovation at cpac. And several of those far-right nuts are spacex fanboys and comment on this very forum.