Excited about impact of experiments part of the mission: Tibor Kapu
For months now, Tibor Kapu and India's Group Captain
Shubhanshu Shukla
have trained side by side—navigating spacecraft systems, running emergency drills, enduring isolation simulations, and even learning to fly—preparing for a shared journey that will carry them far beyond Earth.
When they launch aboard the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) on June 8, Kapu will represent Hungary on its historic first spaceflight. In an exclusive interview to TOI, Kapu reflects on how his research-driven mindset shapes his approach to space missions, the Hungarian experiments he's taking to orbit, and the technologies he believes will redefine our future in space.
Excerpts:
What are the most exciting scientific experiments/innovations you hope to contribute to during the mission?
I'm particularly excited about the diversity and potential impact of the Hungarian scientific experiments.
One highlight is studying how microgravity affects the human microbiome — understanding its effect on bacterial, viral, and fungal communities in the body could be vital for long-term spaceflight and even medicine on Earth. We're also testing a medical device: a novel, nanofibrous eye insert without any active pharmaceutical ingredients.
Another project spins a water sphere to mimic planetary dynamics—an engaging way to teach physics.
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We'll also be testing microfluidic drug chips and a Hungarian-developed personal dosimetry device for radiation monitoring.
How has your engineering & research background influenced your approach to space missions?
My background has greatly helped me in preparation. Analytical skills and problem-solving techniques I've developed over the years have been valuable while training for space exploration. Engineering principles guide my understanding of spacecraft systems and mission protocols, while my research experience helps me appreciate scientific objectives and experiments.
This combination allows me to contribute effectively to mission execution, ensuring we maximise scientific return while maintaining safety and efficiency.
Given your tech background, what future advancements do you believe will impact space exploration?
I believe the future lies in space radiation protection, advanced materials, and autonomous systems. These are key to long-duration missions. New materials will improve spacecraft durability, while autonomy will allow deeper exploration with less human input.
These technologies will also benefit life on Earth—enhancing medicine and sustainability. Satellite constellations and on-orbit data processing are also exciting; we're beginning to shift high-energy activities into orbit, easing Earth's burden.
What does it feel like to be part of a private mission like Ax-4?
It's incredibly special, especially to represent Hungary on its first mission to the ISS. Growing up, I was fascinated by space.
This mission is a dream come true—not just for me, but for many aspiring scientists back home. It's a proud moment that showcases Hungary's contribution to international collaboration and will hopefully inspire future generations.
With your experience in high-stakes environments, how do you prepare for the challenges of living and working in space?
We've undergone comprehensive training across physical, technical, and psychological domains.
This includes learning spacecraft systems, practising emergency procedures, and maintaining fitness. Psychological readiness is equally crucial—we focus on resilience and effective communication. In Hungary, we had an intense two-year selection and training process: survival training, aerobatics, hyperbaric chamber testing, and private pilot licensing.
We studied rocket theory, space engineering, and space health, and underwent isolation training. In the US, this was expanded with demanding simulations—from donning pressurised suits to emergency drills inside full-scale ISS mockups. Every phase has prepared us for the rigours of spaceflight.
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The crew inside Dragon experience increasing g-forces as Earth's gravity fights their upward momentum. First stage separation Approximately two-and-a-half-minutes after launch, the main engines shut down, and the first stage — the lower part of the rocket — will separate. This stage has done its job and now heads back to Earth. Using cold gas thrusters and grid fins, it manoeuvres for a vertical landing on a floating drone ship stationed in the Atlantic Ocean. Meanwhile, the second stage engine ignites, pushing Dragon even higher and faster. Atop this stage, the capsule remains attached until it reaches a stable orbit. Entering orbit About 10 minutes after liftoff, Dragon separates from the second stage. Now in orbit, the spacecraft begins flying on its own. Its nose cone opens to reveal navigation instruments and docking sensors, essential for the next phase: catching up with the space station. 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Over the next two weeks, they will conduct a range of scientific experiments, including biomedical studies that could inform treatments for diseases like diabetes. For Shukla, the mission pilot, it marks not just a personal milestone but a proud moment for India's expanding role in global space exploration .
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In a move that has startled both scientists and policy thinkers, a young software engineer with no formal background in climate or nuclear science has proposed using a massive nuclear explosion to fight climate change. Andy Haverly , 25, published the paper in January this year on the open-access platform arXiv, describing a plan to bury and detonate the largest nuclear device ever conceived deep under the seafloor to boost global carbon capture. 'By precisely locating the explosion beneath the seabed, we aim to confine debris, radiation, and energy while ensuring rapid rock weathering at a scale substantial enough to make a meaningful dent in atmospheric carbon levels,' the study says. How the method works: Blasting basalt for carbon sequestration At the core of Haverly's proposal is a natural process called Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERW), which binds carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere into solid minerals. 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To minimise long-term contamination, the study recommends a standard fission-fusion hydrogen bomb, optimised to lower radioactive residue. The surrounding basalt would trap radiation locally, though the site would become uninhabitable for several decades. The affected zone is projected to be only a few dozen square kilometres — relatively small compared to the global impact of unchecked climate change. Cost, timeline, and trade-offs Haverly estimates the total cost of the project at $10 billion. In contrast, he cites climate-related damage projections from economists like Nicholas Stern and the IPCC , which exceed $100 trillion by 2100. The study claims: 'This is a 10,000x return on investment.' The paper sets a decade-long timeline for deployment, accounting for engineering design, political approval, and field testing. Conditions for Success The proposal's success rests on several crucial assumptions: That the explosion can sequester 30 years of CO₂. 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These strategies, while untested on large scales, signal growing willingness to explore radical interventions. In that context, Haverly's nuclear detonation idea, however extreme, may represent the logical end of this trend — where risk is weighed against a collapsing climate. Whether the world is ready for such a trade-off is a question that now hangs in the air.
