Széchenyi István University and the Mobilis Interactive Exhibition Centre were the venue of a historic event on 9 July, as part of the HUNOR programme. At the event called "Interstellar Connections Day," primary and secondary school students had the chance to ask questions to research astronaut Tibor Kapu, live from the International Space Station.

Hungary is currently conducting a mission of historic importance as part of the HUNOR (Hungarian to Orbit) Astronaut Programme: for the first time in 45 years, a Hungarian astronaut has travelled into space. In connection with this, Széchenyi István University, the Mobilis Interactive Exhibition Centre, and the National Media and Infocommunications Authority (NMHH) jointly organised the "Interstellar Connections Day" on 9 July in Győr. The highlight of the science outreach event was a unique opportunity for 16 selected primary and secondary school students to ask questions via live radio link to research astronaut Tibor Kapu, who answered them from aboard the International Space Station. The connection was established at 9:50 a.m., after which students could participate in a full day of scientific and educational programmes.

The unique programme attracted a great deal of interest (Photo: Gergely Nagy)

Dr Orsolya Ferencz, Ministerial Commissioner for Space Research, greeted around 300 attendees via a live broadcast from the HUNIVERZUM interactive centre in Budapest. “I am delighted that so many young people can see that a historic opportunity is ahead of us; right now, above our heads on the International Space Station, a Hungarian compatriot, research engineer Tibor Kapu, is conducting experiments and performing tasks conceived by Hungarian minds and created by Hungarian scientists, engineers and researchers, thus enriching Hungarian scientific life,” she said. She also noted that one of the key benefits of the HUNOR programme is that it makes the success of Hungarian talent in international science tangible. She emphasised that one important message of Tibor Kapu’s mission is that Earth is our home, which we must preserve at all costs–and that the future lies in the hands of young people, including the schoolchildren here today.

Dr Orsolya Ferencz, Ministerial Commissioner for Space Research, recalled that Tibor Kapu’s research contributes to the advancement of Hungarian science (Photo: Máté Dudás)

In her welcome address, Dr Eszter Lukács, Vice-President for International Affairs and Strategic Relations at Széchenyi István University, pointed out that this historic event was not only a special experience but also an inspiration for participants. She went on to say, “Our University considers it of utmost importance to provide knowledge that goes beyond everyday matters. Space exploration, technological innovation, and scientific curiosity are all fields that, in addition to driving economic development, shape the shared future of humanity. The example of Tibor Kapu shows that Hungarian researchers, engineers, and scientists can hold their own among the world's best.” She added that the university aims to inspire its students to search for and create new solutions that may one day be used in space as well, and stated, “Our goal is to build a centre of internationally competitive knowledge in Győr that contributes to Hungary’s technological advancement.”

Dr Eszter Lukács, Vice President for International Affairs and Strategic Relations at Széchenyi István University, called the ‘Interstellar Connections Day’ a historic moment (Photo: Máté Dudás)

Dr Zoltán Horváth, Dean of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Informatics and Electrical Engineering, emphasised that the organisers worked day and night to make the event possible. “Space research is not an end in itself–it lays the foundation for the technology of the future. Our university not only supports but actively participates in it; our self-developed satellite will soon enter orbit around the Earth. Students can already join our programmes during secondary school–for instance, by participating in CubeSat development even before beginning their university studies,” he added.

Dr Zoltán Horváth, Dean of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Informatics and Electrical Engineering, highlighted that space research contributes to the advancement of everyday life (Photo: Gergely Nagy)

At the event, Bernadett Keszthelyi, Managing Director of the Mobilis Interactive Exhibition Centre under the umbrella of Széchenyi University, spoke proudly of the year and a half of work that preceded the special programme. “Thanks to an amazing collaboration, Győr will be in space for a quarter of an hour. We must seize this opportunity to promote science and the natural sciences. That is why we work at Mobilis–because these are the foundations of everything, including technical and engineering disciplines,” she stressed.

Bernadett Keszthelyi, Managing Director of the Mobilis Interactive Exhibition Centre, expressed gratitude to the organisers for the past year and a half of work (Photo: Máté Dudás)

The 16 selected young participants came from all over the country, and their questions were chosen from thousands of submissions by a professional jury. The topics were highly diverse: Tibor Kapu was asked what Hungarian food he would like to take to space (Túró Rudi), what he dreams about up there (his family and the mission), what he would do if he reached Mars (he would gladly go and conduct research), or what he would do if he won the lottery (he doesn't play, but would buy a house). Alongside these, there were serious scientific inquiries too, such as the dangers of space debris, protection against harmful radiation, and the short- and long-term effects of weightlessness on the human body. The connection was seamless, and in addition to providing credible professional answers, Tibor Kapu engaged with the students openly and attentively. The conversation ended with a rousing “We’re waiting for you at home!” from those present. The participating students received certificates to commemorate the event.

Sixteen primary and secondary school students had the chance to ask questions to Hungarian astronaut Tibor Kapu via live radio link (Photo: Gergely Nagy)

The scientific programme was complemented by colourful lectures and interactive demonstrations. János Solymosi, Director of Space Technology at BHE Bonn Hungary Ltd., gave the audience an insider’s look into deep space communication. Dr Alexandra Petra Partl, Head of the Department responsible for the HUNOR Hungarian Astronaut Programme, spoke about the selection and training process of astronauts. Milán Molnár, lead demonstrator at Mobilis, demonstrated on Earth one of the experiments also conducted by Tibor Kapu in space. To conclude the event, the organisers launched a weather balloon from the roof terrace of Mobilis under the title “Message to Space.”

The weather balloon ascends to an altitude of approximately 35 km. (Photo: Máté Dudás)