India, Poland, and Hungary Reach Space for the First Time

On June 25, astronaut Peggy Whitson made history once again by launching into space for the fifth time, this time as a private astronaut with Axiom Space.

Whitson, who holds the U.S. record for the most days in space, is leading a diverse four-member crew on a SpaceX Crew Dragon mission to the International Space Station. Joining her are astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary, each representing their country’s first-ever human spaceflight to the ISS.

The launch took place from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida and was made possible through a partnership between SpaceX and Texas-based Axiom Space.

Live footage showed the crew in their suits aboard the Dragon capsule, calmly ascending to orbit in what was also the first Dragon launch since Elon Musk’s public clash with President Trump.

The mission underscores a new era of private spaceflight, where retired astronauts and first-time explorers alike are pushing the boundaries of global participation in orbital missions.