Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski became the second Polish national to reach space on June 25, 2025, when the Axiom Mission 4 successfully launched from LC-39A. This flight ended a 47-year hiatus in Polish crewed space exploration, following the 1978 mission of Mirosław Hermaszewski. Upon arrival at the International Space Station, he officially became the 635th person to achieve orbital flight.
Academic and Professional Background
Born in Łódź in 1984, Uznański-Wiśniewski pursued a technical education across multiple institutions. He earned a master’s degree from both the Łódź University of Technology and the University of Nantes in 2008, also receiving an engineer diploma from Polytech Nantes. In 2011, he was awarded a doctorate with distinction from the University of the Mediterranean – Aix Marseille II, where his thesis focused on radiation-tolerant design for space environments.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Engineering at CERN and Industry
Before his selection as an astronaut, Uznański-Wiśniewski built a career in engineering and research. During his doctoral studies, he worked at the STMicroelectronics facility in Crolles. In 2011, he joined the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), later serving as a project lead and senior reliability engineer. From 2018 to 2020, he held the role of Engineer in Charge of the Large Hadron Collider. His technical expertise also extended to reviewing commercial satellite projects and contributing to the Horizon 2020 programme.
The Ignis Mission
In November 2022, the European Space Agency selected Uznański-Wiśniewski as a reserve astronaut from a pool exceeding 22,500 applicants. His mission, named Ignis, involved intensive training with ESA, NASA, SpaceX, and JAXA. During his 18-day residency on the International Space Station, he served as Mission Specialist 1. The crew performed over 60 experiments, including 13 projects developed by Polish researchers, such as artificial intelligence testing and studies on muscle-free communication via brainwaves.
Fast facts
- Born: 1984, Łódź, Poland
- Education: Doctorate, University of the Mediterranean - Aix Marseille II
- ESA Astronaut Group: 2022
- Mission Name: Ignis
- Orbital Flight Status: 635th person
- Award: Knight of the Order of Polonia Restituta (2025)
- Professional Affiliations: CERN, STMicroelectronics
Questions readers ask
What is Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski's primary professional background?
He is an engineer and researcher who previously worked as an Engineer in Charge of the Large Hadron Collider at CERN.
How long did the Ignis mission last on the ISS?
Uznański-Wiśniewski spent 18 days on the International Space Station before undocking on July 14, 2025.
Achievements
- Knight of the Order of Polonia Restituta — 2025
- Affiliated with STMicroelectronics and CERN
- Educated at Łódź University of Technology, École polytechnique de l'université de Nantes and University of the Mediterranean - Aix Marseille II
- Worked as astronaut, engineer and researcher
.jpg)
