POLISH
SPACEFLIGHT
Mirosław Hermazewski as a First Polish Astronaut
In 1978, Polish fighter pilot General Mirosław Hermaszewski became the 89th person in space aboard Soyuz 30. He spent eight days on the Salyut 6 space station, conducting scientific experiments as part of the Interkosmos program. His mission marked a major milestone for Poland in space exploration.
During his mission, Hermaszewski contributed to 11 experiments, including:
– Observing Earth’s surface and the aurora borealis.
– Producing semiconductor crystals in the Splav furnace for infrared detection.
– Measuring lung capacity and heart rate using Polish devices.
– Testing taste changes with the elektrogustometr.
– Studying sleep, food, and crew interactions to improve time management in space.
He also continued Czechoslovak-Soviet experiments on chlorella, oxygen production, and heat output changes in microgravity.
Joining the European Space Agency
Poland joined ESA in 2012. In 2022, ESA selected 17 individuals from 22,500 applicants for its fourth astronaut class. Five became astronaut candidates, and 12 were placed in the reserve pool, including Sławosz Uznański from Poland. Reserve astronauts may be chosen for specific projects with potential to become full astronauts.
Joining the European Space Agency
Poland joined ESA in 2012. In 2022, ESA selected 17 individuals from 22,500 applicants for its fourth astronaut class. Five became astronaut candidates, and 12 were placed in the reserve pool, including Sławosz Uznański from Poland. Reserve astronauts may be chosen for specific projects with potential to become full astronauts.