When Polish astronaut Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski blasts off to the International Space Station (ISS) this spring, he won’t just be carrying scientific equipment and personal mementos—he’ll also be bringing a taste of home: traditional Polish pierogi. The freeze-dried dumplings, a beloved staple of Polish cuisine, will make their debut in space as part of a mission that highlights Poland’s growing role in space exploration and celebrates its cultural heritage.
A Culinary First in Space
Uznański-Wiśniewski, Poland’s second astronaut and the first since Mirosław Hermaszewski’s historic 1978 mission, worked with a small Polish family-owned business to develop a freeze-drying method that preserves the pierogi for consumption in zero gravity. The astronaut, who has a background in mountaineering, emphasized the psychological comfort that familiar foods can provide during long missions.
“When I started at Axiom, I learned that I could participate in developing the food we take to space,” Uznański-Wiśniewski said during a press conference. “I teamed up with a small Polish business, and for the first time ever, we will bring Polish pierogi to space. I hope they taste just as good up there as they do on Earth.”
The pierogi, which can be filled with cheese, meat, potatoes, sauerkraut, or even berries, are a symbol of Polish culinary tradition. Their inclusion in the mission has sparked pride among Poles, who see it as a celebration of their culture on the global stage.
A Mission of Science and Symbolism
The Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), a joint effort by NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA), will carry a diverse crew of astronauts from the United States, India, Hungary, and Poland. The mission, scheduled for spring 2025, will include two weeks of scientific experiments and technological demonstrations on the ISS.
Uznański-Wiśniewski’s personal payload also includes items of national and historical significance: a small Polish flag that Hermaszewski wore on his spacesuit during his 1978 mission, poems by Nobel laureate Wisława Szymborska, music by Frédéric Chopin, a piece of amber, and salt from the historic Wieliczka salt mine.
“It’s a great honor for me to continue Poland’s presence in spaceflight,” Uznański-Wiśniewski said. “I hope I won’t be the last for many decades to come.”
A Legacy of Inspiration
The mission also pays tribute to Hermaszewski, who passed away in 2022. Uznański-Wiśniewski recalled that Hermaszewski was the first to congratulate him when he was selected for the mission. “He supported me a lot during the selection process,” the astronaut said. “I feel a strong bond with him and his mission.”
The Ax-4 crew, which includes veteran U.S. astronaut Peggy Whitson, Hungarian astronaut Tibor Kapu, and Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, has been training together since August 2024. Whitson, who holds the record for the most time spent in space by an American woman, emphasized the importance of international collaboration in space exploration.
“Space is very much a place where you get a different perspective,” Whitson said. “You see Earth in this vastness of space, and you appreciate the fact that our planet is like spaceship Earth. We need to take care of it.”
A New Chapter for Poland in Space
The mission marks a significant milestone for Poland, which has been expanding its presence in space exploration through partnerships with ESA and private space companies. Uznański-Wiśniewski’s journey is not only a scientific endeavor but also a cultural mission, showcasing Poland’s contributions to global space efforts and inspiring future generations of Polish scientists and explorers.
As the Ax-4 crew prepares for liftoff, the inclusion of pierogi serves as a reminder that even in the vastness of space, a taste of home can bring comfort and connection. For Uznański-Wiśniewski, it’s a small but meaningful way to share Poland’s heritage with the world—and beyond.
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