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Poland’s Indispensable Role in the Artemis II Mission
For years, jokes about Poland’s ambitions in space circulated online. Today, however, the Polish space industry is making a powerful entry into the high-stakes game of space exploration. Polish companies and institutions are providing crucial solutions for the Artemis II mission, without which humanity’s return to the vicinity of the Moon would be significantly more challenging. So, what exactly is Poland’s contribution to this groundbreaking endeavor?
A Lunar Project with Polish DNA
“Poland CAN into Space” – Dispelling the Myth
Remember the “Poland cannot into space” meme that went viral years ago? It turns out that decades of development and proving its worth on the global new technology stage mean that Poland absolutely “can into space”—and in a big way! While it might be a while before another Polish astronaut repeats the feat of Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski, Polish technological innovation reaches much further. After all, what good are astronauts if we can’t send them into space?
This is where Poland steps in, contributing a significant piece to the Artemis II mission—arguably the most important project since the Apollo program during the Cold War. But what exactly does our contribution to this undertaking entail?
What You Need to Know About Artemis II
First, let’s clarify a few things. What exactly is Artemis II?
The Artemis II mission is best understood as the modern equivalent of the legendary Apollo 8 flight in 1968. Back then, Frank Borman’s crew was the first in history to leave low Earth orbit and gaze upon Earth from beyond the lunar horizon.
Today, Artemis II aims to break over half a century of stagnation in crewed deep space exploration. However, this is not yet a landing mission. It’s more of a “dress rehearsal” for the Artemis III mission, which is intended to place human feet on the surface of the Silver Globe for the first time since 1972.
The entire endeavor is planned as a ten-day journey, with a free-return trajectory playing a key role. This means that after an initial “push” towards the Moon, the Moon’s gravity will naturally curve the spacecraft’s path, directing it back to Earth without the need for main engine firings to enter orbit.
During this flyby, the Orion capsule will approach the lunar surface to a distance of approximately 7,500-8,900 kilometers (about 4,660-5,530 miles), offering the crew views no human eyes have seen since the Apollo program.
Technically, the mission relies on two powerful pillars: the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and the Orion spacecraft. The SLS is currently the world’s most powerful operational rocket, generating 15% more thrust than the mythical Saturn V.
The Orion capsule, integrated with a European Service Module (ESM), offers half again as much living space as the Apollo command modules.
However, the main goal of Artemis II is not to break distance records. The mission’s priority is the rigorous testing of the Environmental Control and Life Support Systems (ECLSS). Unlike the uncrewed Artemis I mission in 2022, this time, computer systems will need to manage oxygen, remove carbon dioxide, and regulate temperature for living organisms in real-time under conditions of extreme cosmic radiation.
These critical tests will provide NASA and its partners with the confidence that the technology is ready for the riskiest stage: landing humans on the lunar surface in two years.
It’s worth noting that during this mission, the Orion spacecraft could break another record: the furthest distance from Earth achieved by a crewed spacecraft. The planned route involves traveling further from our planet than the ill-fated Apollo 13 mission.
Artemis II is therefore not just a “showcase” flight, but a real test of whether, after five decades, humanity still possesses the technological and operational courage to reach further than ever before.
Polish Contribution to the Artemis Program
Poland’s presence in the Artemis program is neither a marketing curiosity nor a “flag-waving” addition to a major NASA project. It represents genuine, hard-earned expertise developed over years of cooperation with the European Space Agency (ESA), which Poland joined in 2012. It is thanks to this membership that domestic companies and institutes could enter the supply chain for the Orion spacecraft’s European Service Module (ESM).
Why is Poland’s presence in the Artemis II program (and ESA) so important? Primarily because, in projects of this scale, reliability and experience are paramount. Polish companies are not responsible for “space toys” or grunt work. Our compatriots are entrusted with specific and responsible tasks.
Equipment and solutions manufactured in Poland undergo rigorous ESA and NASA qualifications and meet the quality standards required for crewed flights. This is the top league of engineering, and when Orion flies to the Moon, a piece of Poland will be on board.
Before delving into the specifics, it’s worth clarifying one common misconception.
Space Research Centre PAS (CBK PAN)
Online, it’s easy to find simplifications suggesting that the Space Research Centre of the Polish Academy of Sciences (CBK PAN) is participating in the Artemis II mission. This is incorrect, likely stemming from CBK PAN’s extensive experience and long history as a scientific institute. It’s understandable that some “Polish space activities” are automatically associated with this institution.
CBK PAN is not involved in the Artemis II mission at any level. We also did not work on the Orion capsule. We are engaged in the broader ESA lunar program, but not directly in Artemis.
— Statement from the Space Research Centre PAS
Henryk Niewodniczański Institute of Nuclear Physics PAS (IFJ PAN)
The Henryk Niewodniczański Institute of Nuclear Physics of the Polish Academy of Sciences (IFJ PAN) has confirmed its specific participation in the Artemis program. In their case, it involved supplying ionizing radiation detectors during the Artemis I mission. While IFJ PAN is not participating in Artemis II, it’s worth recalling their earlier contribution.
We participated in the MARE experiment as part of the Artemis I mission, but we are not involved in Artemis II. The MARE experiment involved placing two human body models (phantoms) equipped with a large number of different ionizing radiation detectors in the crew compartment. One of the phantoms was also fitted with a vest designed to protect against the low-energy component of cosmic radiation (solar flares). This was a collaborative effort involving many research institutions from various countries. Our contribution primarily included thermoluminescent detectors developed at IFJ PAN, as well as nuclear track detectors.
The overall goal of the experiment was to determine the potential radiation exposure of astronauts during such a flight, or rather to confirm whether existing models of this exposure are accurate. Additionally, the experiment aimed to test the effectiveness of the aforementioned protective vest. Our analyses have been completed, and the results have been submitted to the scientific lead of the project – the German Aerospace Center (DLR). The consolidated report has not yet been published, likely because some participants are still submitting their results.
— Statement from the Henryk Niewodniczański Institute of Nuclear Physics of the Polish Academy of Sciences
So, which companies, institutions, and facilities are contributing to the Artemis II program? VIGO Photonics stands out here. This company from Ożarów Mazowiecki supplied infrared detectors for the Laser Air Monitoring System (LAMS).
This may sound complicated, but in short, such a system is responsible for monitoring the atmosphere’s quality inside the Orion capsule (oxygen, carbon dioxide, and water vapor concentrations).
Polish Space Agency (POLSA)
Of course, the contribution of the Polish Space Agency (POLSA) is also significant. The agency coordinates Polish participation in the program, and in 2021, it signed the Artemis Accords. This made Poland an official partner of NASA in the program.
It was then that Polish companies received the green light for direct contracts with the American agency. We discussed this contribution directly with the Ministry of Development and Technology.
How does the Ministry assess the return on investment from Poland’s financial involvement so far in ESA lunar missions and the Artemis program?
ESA lunar missions and the Artemis program should be evaluated separately. Currently, Poland does not contribute financially to the Artemis program. However, as Polish companies are present in the Artemis program (e.g., Polish startup SigmaLabs joined the work on dosimeters for the Artemis lunar program), we positively assess Poland’s accession to the Artemis Accords in 2021.
In the uncrewed Artemis I mission, which took place in 2022, infrared detectors developed by VIGO Photonics were successfully used in the Orion capsule.
— Statement from the Ministry of Development and Technology
In light of the Artemis II mission, are new bilateral agreements planned with the USA that would facilitate Polish space startups’ access to the American government procurement market?
Poland’s accession to the Artemis Accords opens the way for Polish companies and institutes to secure contracts for the development of robotics, power systems, and space mining technologies (the search for and processing of lunar resources).
It is also an opportunity for domestic enterprises to develop and commercialize technologies that will be used in future lunar bases.
Regarding potential new bilateral agreements between Poland and the United States in the context of the Artemis II mission, we inform that the Ministry of Development and Technology is not currently working on such agreements.
— Statement from the Ministry of Development and Technology
Incidentally, during this conversation, the ministry also noted its strong engagement in the ESA lunar mission. During the Ministerial Council in November 2025 in Bremen, Poland pledged approximately USD 32.4 million in support. At the previous ESA Ministerial Council in 2022, this amounted to approximately USD 10.8 million, which was increased in 2023 by an additional approximately USD 48.6 million (USD 27 million for the Lunar Robotic Exploration component and USD 21.6 million for Humans beyond LEO).
History of Poland in Space
Nevertheless, the path to Poland’s presence in the Artemis program was long and arduous. The first major milestone was undoubtedly the flight of Mirosław Hermaszewski in 1978 as part of the Interkosmos program.
He became the first Pole to fly into space. The Soyuz 30 mission and his stay on the Salyut 6 station were symbolic of an era, and also proof that Poland could participate in advanced space projects.
In the meantime, the Space Research Centre PAS (CBK PAN) was also very active, developing scientific instruments sent on interplanetary probes and satellites. Polish experiments were included in missions carried out in cooperation with the USSR, and later also with Western partners.
A new chapter opened in 2012 when Poland became a full member of the European Space Agency (ESA). This was essentially a breakthrough moment – since then, Polish companies and institutes have regularly participated in ESA tenders, building expertise in satellites, space electronics, robotics, and Earth observation systems.
Last year, there was also significant buzz about the mission to the International Space Station involving Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski – the second Pole in space. Such moments demonstrate that Poland is returning to crewed spaceflight not only as a technology subcontractor but also as a provider of human talent.
Why Poland’s Space Contributions Matter for the Economy
Flying into space sounds noble, but it’s important to keep our feet on the ground, as concrete benefits are what matter for the economy. And these are very tangible.
- Technology Transfer: Projects carried out within ESA and the Artemis program require meeting extreme quality standards. Technologies developed for space applications, such as radiation-hardened electronics or advanced control systems, later find their way into the civilian sector. This includes areas like energy, medicine, telecommunications, and defense.
- Expertise and Jobs: Participation in the supply chain for ESA and partners like NASA means stable, highly specialized employment within Poland. Engineers, programmers, composite material specialists – these are not “assembly line” positions but jobs with high added value.
- Multiplier Effect: According to ESA analyses, public investments in the space sector generate a return in the form of new contracts, innovations, and increased competitiveness for companies in international markets. In other words, money invested in space returns to the economy as know-how and exports.
- International Standing: Participation in a program as prestigious as Artemis is crucial for building Poland’s image as a country of advanced technologies. In a world where reputation often determines contracts, this is an invaluable asset.
No More Memes – Polish Technology is a Key Element of the Artemis Program
Just a decade ago, the phrase “Poland cannot into space” brought a smile. Today (fortunately), it sounds like an old internet joke that few remember.
Poland not only “can into space” but is doing so in the most demanding crewed project of the 21st century. We are participating in the construction of Orion’s European Service Module, supplying certified electronics, and undergoing the same rigorous procedures as the largest players in the global space sector.
Artemis II will be a test for systems, people, and the entire infrastructure for humanity’s return to the vicinity of the Moon. And somewhere within this complex puzzle lies Polish technical ingenuity. All of this sounds truly promising, and it’s no longer just a story about ambition. It’s a history of competence. And if all goes according to plan, Poland will be part of the next crewed journey to the Moon.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the primary goal of the Artemis II mission?
Artemis II is a crewed test flight designed to rigorously test the Orion spacecraft’s Environmental Control and Life Support Systems (ECLSS) and other critical technologies in deep space. It’s a dress rehearsal for Artemis III, which aims to land humans on the Moon.
How is Poland contributing to the Artemis II mission?
Polish companies, such as VIGO Photonics, are supplying critical components like infrared detectors for the Laser Air Monitoring System (LAMS) in the Orion capsule, which monitors the air quality for the crew. The Polish Space Agency (POLSA) also coordinates participation and enables Polish companies to secure contracts through the Artemis Accords.
What are the economic benefits for Poland from participating in space programs like Artemis?
Participation brings significant economic benefits, including technology transfer from space applications to civilian sectors (energy, medicine), creation of highly specialized jobs (engineers, programmers), a multiplier effect on innovation and competitiveness, and enhanced international standing for Poland as a technologically advanced nation.
Are all Polish space institutions directly involved in Artemis II?
No. While institutions like the Space Research Centre PAS (CBK PAN) and the Henryk Niewodniczański Institute of Nuclear Physics PAS (IFJ PAN) have extensive experience in space research or participated in Artemis I (IFJ PAN), they are not directly involved in the Artemis II mission itself. Specific companies like VIGO Photonics are the primary direct contributors for Artemis II from Poland.
Source: Original research. Opening photo: Gemini
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