Polish Astronaut Calls for Wider Space Cooperation

When you're floating above Earth's atmosphere, national borders disappear and humanity becomes one. That's the perspective Polish astronaut Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski is sharing at the 77th International Astronautical Congress in Turkey.

Uznanski-Wisniewski, who completed a 20-day space mission in 2025, believes international cooperation isn't just nice to have in space exploration. It's essential to who we are as a species.

"When we are beyond the Kármán line, above our atmosphere, we represent humanity," he told CGTN at the gathering of astronauts, scientists, and space enthusiasts. "We represent our countries, but we represent all of us."

His vision extends beyond traditional space powers. When asked about China's Tiangong space station hosting Pakistan's first astronauts, the Polish astronaut's enthusiasm was clear.

"I am happy to hear that Tiangong is hosting also other nations," he said. If given the opportunity to fly another mission to the Chinese station, he wouldn't hesitate: "That would be an honor."

The Ripple Effect

Uznanski-Wisniewski's message reaches far beyond professional astronauts. He's adamant that space needs people from every background, not just pilots and engineers.

Lawyers can work on space law. Business experts can handle financing. Communication specialists have crucial roles to play. The key is transforming dreams into concrete goals, then breaking those goals into achievable plans.

"Independently what you do in your life professionally, you can contribute with your experience to development of space technologies," he explained. Every person can find their niche in pushing humanity's cosmic frontier forward.

Poland will host next year's International Astronautical Congress, the first time since 1962. The country's motto captures Uznanski-Wisniewski's vision perfectly: "One Space, Shared Future."

His call for collaboration comes as space stations increasingly welcome diverse international crews, proving that our greatest achievements happen when we work together beyond borders and differences.