10 Treurenberg, 1000
This fall, Tibor Kapu, a Hungarian astronaut, will make history (again) by traveling to the ISS. To mark this incredible achievement, an extraordinary and high-profile event is being organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary, the HUNOR Hungarian Astronaut Program, and the Liszt Institute Brussels. The event will bring together leading international and Hungarian experts, representatives, and even astronauts.
The symposium will showcase the groundbreaking HUNOR Astronaut Program, delve into the transformative power of space and its benefits, highlight Hungary’s decade of excellence within the European Space Agency (ESA), and explore Europe's role and competitiveness in the global space race. Parallel with the conference we will open an exhibition about the secrets behind the preparational procedure of the astronauts.
The event will be conducted in English.
Agenda
March 27, 2025
16:30 – Conference Opening
Greetings: Zsófia Kovács, Director of the Liszt Institute Brussels
Welcome Speech: dr. Tamás Iván Kovács, Ambassador of Hungary to Belgium and Luxembourg (video message)
Welcome Speech: Bertalan Farkas, Space Researcher
Opening Speech: dr. Orsolya Ferencz, Ministerial Commissioner for Space Research
17:00 – Panel I
- Why is space important? What benefits do we derive from space?
- Presentation of the HUNOR Hungarian Astronaut Program
Participants: Bertalan Farkas, Hungary’s first astronaut, Space Researcher / Ádám Schlégl, Astronaut Candidate / László Benkucs (Moderator)
17:40 – Panel II
- Europe’s competitiveness in the international space race
- Hungary’s 10 years as a full ESA member
Participants: Prof. Dr. Kai-Uwe Schrogl, Special Advisor for Political Affairs, ESA / Christophe Grodent, Head of Space Programs, Centre Spatial de Liège / László Benkucs (Moderator)
18:10 – Coffee break
18:30 – Reflections and open discussion
- Challenges in the space sector and astronaut life
19:10 – Q&A
19:30 – End of conference