Following the high-profile visit of astronaut Sunita Williams, the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Ljubljana hosted Hungarian astronauts Tibor Kapu and Gyula Cserényi on Wednesday, 22 April 2026. The event offered valuable insight into contemporary space missions, astronaut training, and the role of engineers in some of today’s most complex technological challenges.
Tibor Kapu, a mechanical engineer, took part in Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) in 2025, becoming the third Hungarian in history to travel to space. He spent 18 days aboard the International Space Station, where he contributed to a range of scientific and technological experiments in collaboration with Hungarian research institutions and industry. In his talk, he highlighted the broader significance of the mission: “The launch was a moment that brought the entire nation together. That is something I would wish for Slovenia as well.”
Gyula Cserényi, an electrical engineer and backup astronaut, completed the same demanding training as Kapu and is actively involved in Hungary’s HUNOR (Hungarian to Orbit) space programme. The programme represents a strategic national initiative aimed at developing space technologies, advancing research, and strengthening Hungary’s participation in international space missions. In his address, he emphasised the importance of collaboration: “In space, no one works alone. Cooperation between countries, universities, and industry is the foundation of space science.”
Assoc. Prof. Miha Brojan, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, also highlighted the importance of collaboration, stressing that space missions are not solely the work of astronauts, but the result of a broad support network on Earth—from engineers, developers, and designers to mission controllers and software experts. “One thing is to go to space, another is to provide support,” he noted, adding that such projects clearly demonstrate how essential collaboration is in the field of space technologies. He also underlined the inspirational value of such events for young people, showing that through knowledge, cooperation, and active involvement in European space programmes, it is possible to become part of one of the most demanding and prestigious fields of modern engineering.
In this context, the Ministry of the Economy, Tourism and Sport invites students, researchers, and young professionals to apply for a public call supporting active participation in the 77th International Astronautical Congress (IAC), taking place from 5 to 9 October 2026 in Antalya, Türkiye. Selected applicants will have their registration, travel, and accommodation costs covered. More information and application details are available at:
https://www.gov.si/novice/2026-04-03-vabilo-za-mlade-navdusence-nad-vesoljem-za-sodelovanje-na-mednarodnem-astronavtskem-kongresu/
Through events like this, the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering UL continues to strengthen connections between academia, industry, and cutting-edge technologies, while encouraging Slovenian students and researchers to engage in European and international space projects.
The event was organised by the Slovenian Space Office within the Ministry of the Economy, Tourism and Sport, in cooperation with the Embassy of Hungary.
