The Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, will host a special professional event on Wednesday, 22 April 2026, at 10:30, featuring Hungarian astronauts Tibor Kapu and Gyula Cserényi. The event is organised by the Slovenian Space Office in cooperation with the Embassy of Hungary.
Tibor Kapu, a mechanical engineer, participated in Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) in 2025, becoming the third Hungarian in history to travel to space. During his 18-day mission aboard the International Space Station, he was involved in a wide range of scientific experiments conducted in collaboration with Hungarian research institutions and industry.
Gyula Cserényi, an electrical engineer, completed the same demanding training as a backup astronaut and is actively involved in Hungary’s HUNOR (Hungarian to Orbit) space programme. The HUNOR programme represents a national initiative aimed at developing research and technological capabilities in the field of space activities, while strengthening Hungary’s role in international space missions.
This visit continues a series of high-profile space-related events hosted by the Faculty, including a visit by astronaut Sunita Williams and a presentation of the ESA Academy programme, both of which sparked strong interest in space technologies among students. The astronauts will share insights into their training, work in space, and current research projects, with a special focus on the role of smaller countries in today’s space ecosystem and opportunities for international collaboration.
The event offers students a unique opportunity to engage directly with leading experts and gain insight into career paths in space technologies and research.
“Space engineering is one of the most demanding engineering disciplines, requiring solutions to challenges in extreme conditions. Behind every astronaut mission stands a team of top engineers on Earth. At our Faculty, we educate exactly this kind of professionals, and through collaboration with the European Space Agency, we actively contribute to progress in this field,” said Assoc. Prof. Miha Brojan, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering.
Through events like this, the Faculty strengthens connections between academia, industry, and cutting-edge technologies, while encouraging Slovenian students and researchers to take part in future space projects.
Attendance is limited, and registration is required via: https://1ka.arnes.si/obiskastronavtov