"Space exploration is no longer the stuff of fantasy," Tusk said while speaking with the crew of the upcoming Axiom-4 mission at the Copernicus Science Centre in the Polish capital.
The Axiom-4 crew includes four astronauts, among them Poland’s Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski, who will travel to the International Space Station (ISS) later this year.
During a news conference after the meeting, Tusk highlighted Poland's active involvement in both its own space programme and international initiatives such as the Axiom-4 mission, calling the upcoming flight "a pivotal moment" for the country.
"The flight of the first Polish astronaut in the 21st century—and the second in history—is the culmination of the first stage of our efforts, but I stress—just the first stage," he said.
Tusk declared that space exploration "is no longer just something we see on television or read about in science fiction books," but "a domain where Polish ambitions are also present."
He argued that Poland was playing an increasingly active role in the development of science and new technologies with tangible benefits for the planet.
Uznański-Wiśniewski echoed this sentiment, expressing pride in representing Poland and its engineering community.
He said: "I hope we will find our permanent place in space in the long term and grow as an international player, shaping the technological future of Europe. I believe we have the potential for this."
An engineer by profession, the Polish astronaut told reporters that his mission was the result of efforts by the thousands of engineers who have contributed to the country’s space advancements over the years.
Uznański-Wiśniewski revealed that he would conduct 13 Polish experiments aboard the ISS, focusing on fields such as medicine, biology, biotechnology and engineering sciences.
He voiced optimism that all of these experiments would be successfully carried out during the mission.
The Axiom-4 mission is scheduled for launch "no earlier than spring 2025."
In addition to his scientific endeavours, Uznański-Wiśniewski plans to take elements of Polish culture to space, including the national flag and traditional pierogi dumplings, symbolising the nation's presence and heritage in this new frontier.
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Source: IAR, PAP