Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski, the second Polish astronaut in history, has emphasized that a forthcoming decision on funding for the European Space Agency (ESA) will be a defining moment for Poland's technological and economic future. The level of investment will directly influence the country's role in major European space initiatives for the next three years.
Speaking with the Polish Press Agency, Uznański-Wiśniewski highlighted the significant economic returns and strategic advantages linked to a greater commitment to the space sector. His comments come ahead of a crucial ESA ministerial council meeting in November, where member nations will declare their financial contributions to future programs.
Key Takeaways
- Poland's decision on European Space Agency (ESA) funding in November will shape its space industry's direction for the next three years.
- Astronaut Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski states that invested funds will flow back to Polish companies and research institutions.
- The global space economy is projected to reach $1.8 trillion by 2035, presenting a major economic opportunity for Poland.
- Increased investment is seen as crucial for retaining Poland's highly skilled engineers and scientists within the country.
A Critical Funding Decision for Poland
In November, the European Space Agency's ministerial council will convene in Bremen, Germany. During this summit, member states will outline their financial commitments to the agency's upcoming research and technology programs. According to Uznański-Wiśniewski, Poland's choice will have long-lasting consequences.
The astronaut, who recently completed a three-week mission on the International Space Station (ISS), explained the direct link between investment and domestic industry growth. "The funds that our country decides to invest will then return to Polish companies and institutions," he noted, underscoring the mechanism through which ESA contributions stimulate national economies.
This decision will determine the extent of Poland's involvement in several key areas. These include space exploration, Earth observation, and navigation systems. For the first time, it will also dictate participation in a new ESA defense initiative.
The European Resilience from Space Program
A significant new initiative on the table is the European Resilience from Space (ERS) program. Uznański-Wiśniewski identified this as a critical component of Europe's future security infrastructure. "It will determine, among other things, to what extent we will take part in implementing the ERS program, which will be one of the key components of the European security system," he said. Poland's financial commitment will directly correlate with its influence and participation in this strategic domain.
Poland's History in Space
Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski's mission to the ISS made him the second Pole to travel to orbit. The first was Mirosław Hermaszewski, who flew aboard the Soviet Soyuz 30 mission in 1978. The nearly five-decade gap highlights the renewed focus on space within Poland.
The Economic Case for Space Investment
Uznański-Wiśniewski presented a strong economic argument for increasing Poland's investment in space technologies. He pointed out that such forward-looking sectors are essential for building economic resilience. "Countries that invest in forward-looking sectors, such as the space industry, emerge from crises stronger, with new technological solutions," he stated.
This perspective is supported by compelling financial data. The astronaut cited official ESA figures indicating a significant return on investment.
"ESA data show that investments in space technologies yield a seven- to eightfold return."
The global market trends further strengthen this case. The space sector is experiencing rapid expansion, far outpacing many traditional industries.
A Trillion-Dollar Market
The global space market is currently growing at an annual rate of 10% to 15%. A report by McKinsey & Company projects that the space-related economy will reach a staggering value of $1.8 trillion by 2035. "I strongly believe we will have a significant share in it," Uznański-Wiśniewski added.
Learning from International Partners
To illustrate the benefits of sustained investment, Uznański-Wiśniewski pointed to Japan as a model. He noted that the Japanese Space Agency (JAXA) has secured a significant presence on the International Space Station.
- JAXA (Japan): Controls 12% of the ISS's use and operates Kibo, the station's largest research module.
- ESA (Europe): Operates the Columbus laboratory but is a smaller partner, with 8.3% of the station's usage rights.
He also mentioned growing collaboration between agencies. Last year, during his IGNIS mission training, JAXA and ESA signed a cooperation agreement. Subsequently, the Polish and Japanese space agencies entered discussions about potential joint projects focused on lunar exploration and robotics.
Harnessing Poland's Domestic Talent
A central theme of the astronaut's message was the need to create opportunities for Poland's skilled workforce. He argued that expanded investment would allow the country to better utilize its domestic talent pool, preventing a brain drain of top specialists.
"We have excellent specialists," he said, providing a concrete example from his own mission. The Polish company KP Labs had its proprietary computer tested during his flight. He also highlighted that the firm's AI testing platform on the ISS is now used by global companies to validate software in authentic orbital conditions.
Creating a Hub for Innovation
To retain this talent, Uznański-Wiśniewski proposed a bold step: Poland should actively seek to host one of the European Space Agency's technology implementation centers. Such a facility would create high-value jobs and establish the country as a hub for space innovation.
His call is informed by personal experience. "I spent 20 years abroad, first doing my doctorate and then working in research institutions," he shared. He believes that creating the right infrastructure and opportunities is key to keeping the next generation of innovators at home. "We have outstanding and highly motivated engineers and scientists in Poland, and we should do everything possible to keep them in the country."