Tibor Kapu

Hungary‘s Space aspirations: Fact vs. Fiction

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán recently stated that only twelve nations globally have the capability to send people to space. Though, a closer examination of available data reveals a different picture. The International Aeronautical Federation (FAI) registers space travel at an altitude of 100 kilometers. By March 2025, the FAI had recorded 47 countries that have sent individuals into space, a figure considerably higher than Orbán’s assertion.

The definition of space flight can vary. While the FAI uses the 100-kilometer mark, the United States considers flights above 80 kilometers as space travel for professional, military, and commercial travelers. Irrespective of the specific criteria, the number of nations with spacefaring citizens is substantially greater than twelve.

Hungary has a history in space exploration.Bertalan Farkas became the first Hungarian in space in 1980 aboard the soyuz-36 spacecraft. more recently, Tibor Kapu became the second Hungarian to travel to space, marking Hungary’s return to space travel after 45 years. Additionally, Charles Simonyi, a Hungarian-born citizen, has visited the International Space station as a space tourist in 2007 and 2009. These achievements highlight hungary’s contributions to space exploration, though the exact number of nations capable of such feats is more extensive than initially suggested.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the FAI’s definition of space travel?

The FAI defines space flight as reaching an altitude of 100 kilometers.

How many countries have sent people to space according to the FAI?

As of March 2025, the FAI has registered 47 countries that have sent people to space.

Who was the first Hungarian in space?

Bertalan Farkas was the first Hungarian in space, traveling in 1980.

Has Hungary sent anyone to space recently?

yes, Tibor Kapu recently traveled to space, marking Hungary’s return to space exploration after 45 years.