In May, the Hungarian to Orbit (HUNOR) program will embark on an exciting journey aboard Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), which will be the first time an astronaut from Hungary conducts a mission aboard the International Space Station. As part of this mission, HUNOR will lead research to deepen our understanding of space and its effects on humans and materials, potentially unlocking insights that could lead to new developments in space exploration and offer practical applications for life on Earth. Additionally, the research aligns with Hungary's space exploration goals, strengthening its international role in the commercial space sector and fostering innovation and sustainable growth within the country.
The HUNOR research encompasses a diverse array of experiments, each designed to explore different aspects of space science. Among these are investigations into how space conditions affect human bacterial, viral, and fungal microbiomes, and studies on the impact of microgravity on cognitive function and motor skills. Researchers will also examine the behavior of low-melting point metals for next-generation ion-jet propulsion systems and monitor crew radiation exposure and environmental conditions using personal dosimetry devices.
Within the scope of material science, the mission will validate clothing heat transfer simulations in microgravity to improve astronaut thermal comfort and explore the effects of spaceflight on 3D printed materials, with special regard to materials suitable for medical use. Physical sciences studies include the examination of upper atmospheric thunderstorms, testing precise position tracking algorithms with inertial sensors, and investigating fluid dynamics in space (more details below). A joint physics class with students from across Hungary, demonstrating gravitational curiosities, will bring the realities of microgravity to the classroom.
Selected Research Highlights
The Effect of Microgravity on Higher Cognitive Capabilities (MAGYAR) project will investigate how microgravity affects cognitive function and motor skills utilizing a virtual reality (VR) headset system. A crewmember will perform tasks assessing motor planning and function while wearing a cap that monitors neural activity using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Saliva and tear samples will be collected to study stress hormone and biological responses to spaceflight and demanding cognitive tasks, providing valuable data on how space travel impacts human cognition and motor planning.
The END SANS experiment focuses on a medical device study that examines the ease-of-use and safety of a novel, nanofibrous eye insert. This eye insert is designed to eventually include an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) to treat symptoms of Spaceflight Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome (SANS), potentially offering new drug delivery options for astronauts experiencing vision issues due to prolonged spaceflight missions.
Within life sciences, the DNA Repair study will investigate radiation-induced DNA damage in adult fruit flies and larvae after exposure to the space environment. Researchers aim to assess whether temporary overproduction of certain DNA-repairing enzymes can provide protection against space radiation-induced damage. The findings could help develop countermeasures against DNA damage in humans during future deep space and long-duration spaceflights.
The VITAPRIC investigation will focus on plant germination, microgreen production, and leaf development in space. It will examine the impact of plant growth primers on the production of vitamins, proteins, minerals, and other nutrients by plants, aiming to improve food production options for long-duration space missions. This research could also benefit agricultural practices on Earth, particularly in resource-poor or urban farming environments.
The Microfluidic Drug Dosage Detection Development (M4D) is a material science experiment to better understand how liquids behave in "lab on a chip'" microfluidic devices in space. Researchers will inject liquid into a microfluidic device and analyze fluid flow characteristics, as well as the impact of spaceflight and radiation exposure on a commonly used drug (acetaminophen). This study could lead to the development of microfluidic devices that analyze drug stability and quality on long-duration and deep space missions.
Finally, the Differential Rotation on a Sphere B – Modeling Shear Instabilities of Planetary Atmospheres (DIROS) experiment investigates fluid dynamics in the weightless environment of space, with a special emphasis on Coriolis forces. By precisely adjusting fluidics parameters, researchers will study a spinning water drop that is analogous to gas giant planets. This physical science study will shed light on large scale atmospheric phenomena such as Saturn's North Polar Hexagon. The data gathered could benefit planetary science, with potential applications for space exploration and Earth-based research into atmospheric and fluid dynamics.
The HUNOR research on Ax-4 will advance our understanding of space and its effects on various biological and physical processes. This research supports the nation’s long-term goals in space exploration, enhancing Hungary’s competitiveness in the space industry through advanced scientific endeavors.
Click here to RSVP for the Ax-4 science on the mission press conference on April 29.
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