Ax-4: IGNIS payloads & live events

The launch of Ax-4 marks the start of the IGNIS mission, Poland’s first scientific and technological mission to the ISS. With this milestone, Sławosz Uznański becomes the second Polish astronaut in history, and the first in over 45 years to travel to space. As part of IGNIS, ICE Cubes is supporting two payloads that will be installed in the ICE Cubes Facility (ICF) on board the Station:

The ‘Space Volcanic Algae’ experiment, developed by Extremo Technologies, will investigate the potential of red extremophile microalgae (organisms that naturally thrive in volcanic environments) for use in long-duration space exploration. These hardy algae are promising candidates for life support systems, with potential roles in oxygen production, carbon dioxide absorption, waste management, and toxic compound decomposition. The experiment will analyze the genes responsible for oxygen production and metabolism in space-grown samples, comparing them with ground controls. Results will not only enhance our understanding of extremophile adaptation in space but may also inform future space medicine, closed-loop systems, and industrial biotechnology applications on Earth. Read more about it here.

The ‘LeopardISS’, developed by KP Labs, is a compact, advanced data processing unit designed to test and validate AI algorithms directly aboard the ISS. By enabling in-orbit testing, it offers a faster and more iterative path to achieving spaceflight heritage for AI technologies, bypassing the longer timelines and costs of traditional satellite deployments. LeopardISS supports applications such as onboard image classification and 3D terrain mapping, which are critical for Earth observation and autonomous planetary exploration. One of its key tasks will be the validation of a navigation algorithm, developed in collaboration with Poznan University of Technology, intended for future unmanned rovers. With real-time ground interaction and continuous telemetry access via the ICF, LeopardISS helps to accelerate the development of intelligent, space-qualified software and hardware systems. Read more about it here.

Beyond research, ICE Cubes is also supporting the Ax-4 mission by enabling real-time communication and engagement from the ISS. Through our Media Set, the crew will participate in live video conferences with audiences on Earth. This capability supports educational outreach, interviews and Q&A sessions.

Through the support provided to the Ax-4 and IGNIS missions, we continue to play our role in enabling cutting-edge science and fostering innovation in space. By offering vital infrastructure and in-orbit services, ICE Cubes facilitates international collaboration and advances the success of these important missions. Explore the IGNIS launch kit here to learn more about the mission and its partners, the in-orbit research, the Ax-4 crew, and the fascinating details behind this landmark national scientific endeavor.

Prior to Ax-4, the Kirara #6 experiment was flown on SpaceX-32, featuring notable research by Dr. Petra Bombicz on hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks (HOF). Alongside this scientific work, musical recordings by violinist Luis Luque Alvarez, stored on an SD card within the Kirara #6 cube, accompanied the samples on their journey to the ISS. These activities highlight Hungary’s HUNOR (Hungarian to Orbit) national astronaut mission, under which Tibor Kapu is flying on Ax-4, underscoring the rich blend of science and culture in space exploration. Explore the articles below to learn more.