The mission IGNIS is the first Polish technological-scientific mission to the International Space Station (ISS), scheduled for June 2025. During this mission, Polish astronaut Dr Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski (ESA project astronaut) will conduct 13 scientific experiments developed by Polish research institutions and companies during a 14-day stay in orbit. The Polish IGNIS mission will be part of the commercial expedition Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) – the launch is planned from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida on a Dragon capsule launched by SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The scope of research is very wide – the experiments concern, among others, astronaut health, microbiology, new materials, and advanced space technologies (including artificial intelligence). Below we present all 13 experiments of the IGNIS mission, along with their names, responsible institution, and a short description of the objective and research methods.

AstroMentalHealth

AstroMentalHealth – (University of Silesia in Katowice, in collaboration with University of Zielona Góra, University of Wrocław, SWPS in Wrocław, and the LunAres station) is a psychological experiment studying the effect of long-term isolation, technologies used, and limited contact with nature on the mental well-being of astronauts during a space mission. It uses both quantitative methods (psychological questionnaires) and qualitative analysis – analysis of video diaries kept by astronauts (to assess content and emotional expression in facial mimicry) and interpretation of photographs taken by them. The objective is to better understand human mental functioning in space isolation conditions; the collected data will help in the future to develop more effective methods for remotely monitoring the mental state of astronauts and intervention programs supporting their mental health.

EEG Neurofeedback

EEG Neurofeedback – (Academy of Physical Education and Sport in Gdańsk) is an experiment aiming to check the effectiveness of the EEG neurofeedback training method in reducing stress levels in astronauts during long-term isolation. This method involves participants consciously learning to control their brainwaves by observing their own EEG activity in real time. The study includes neurofeedback training sessions before the mission, measurements of brainwaves and well-being before and after the flight, and monitoring the astronaut's mental state during the mission; the results will be compared with data from analogous simulated missions on Earth. If the method proves effective, it may help limit the negative effects of stress in people staying in isolation for a long time, and training procedures will be adapted to the conditions of prolonged space missions.

Human Gut Microbiota

Human Gut Microbiota – (Military University of Technology) is a biological experiment dedicated to the impact of space flight conditions (such as radiation, microgravity, and isolation stress) on the composition and functions of the human gut microbiome. For this purpose, an analysis of biological samples taken from the astronaut is conducted before the mission, during the stay on ISS, and after return – using DNA sequencing of bacteria constituting the gut microflora. Comparing the genetic material of microorganisms will determine the changes in the microbiome caused by staying in space. The objective of the study is to improve nutritional strategies for astronauts and maintain their health and performance during long-term missions, as well as after their completion.

Immune Multiomics

Immune Multiomics – (Military University of Technology) concerns the impact of the space environment (radiation, microgravity, flight overloads) on the immune system function, specifically on gene expression and DNA methylation in mononuclear blood cells (these are cells playing a key role in immunity). The experiment involves the analysis of genetic material – RNA and DNA – from astronaut blood samples taken before the flight, during the mission, and after returning to Earth. It will allow assessing how space flight conditions affect the body's ability to defend against infections and the aging processes, which might contribute to refining immunotherapy, anti-inflammatory treatments, and delay aging effects in the future.

LeopardISS

LeopardISS – (company KP Labs) is an experiment that serves as a demonstration of advanced onboard computer technology for data processing (DPU, English Data Processing Unit), enabling testing of artificial intelligence algorithms in real orbital conditions. The LeopardISS device will be installed in the European module Columbus on the ISS and will be used to run an algorithm developed at Poznań University of Technology – this algorithm is used for three-dimensional image mapping and might be applicable in the navigation of future planetary rovers. The objective of the experience is to test such data processing systems in orbit, which in practice is to demonstrate the possibility of reducing the amount of data sent to Earth through preliminary selection and analysis of information by AI already onboard the station.

Astro Performance (Mollis Textus)

Astro Performance (Mollis Textus) – (company Smart Diagnostics) is a medical experiment concerning the impact of space missions on the soft tissues of the musculoskeletal system of the astronaut, using modern diagnostic methods supported by artificial intelligence algorithms. In practice, this means that before the mission and after return, the astronaut undergoes detailed examinations (including magnetic resonance imaging, blood analyses, body composition measurements, and movement system performance evaluations), and the collected data is then analyzed using AI tools; the astronaut's health status results are compared to those of a control group on Earth. This approach will help understand how soft tissues adapt to space flight conditions and simultaneously aid in the development of AI-based diagnostic methods and the improvement of medical procedures before future manned missionsl.

MXene in LEO

MXene in LEO – (AGH University of Science and Technology in Krakow) is an experiment investigating the stability of modern MXene-type nanomaterials in space conditions and assessing their potential use in medical devices for astronauts (e.g., in wearable sensors for pulse measurement). The study will compare the durability of MXene nanomaterial samples stored on Earth and on the ISS, and a prototype pulse meter with a sensor based on MXene layers will be tested – the performance of this device will be measured before flight, during the mission, and after the astronaut's return. The obtained results will contribute to the development of advanced medical sensors and telemedical technologies using nanomaterials, which may improve healthcare for astronauts during long stays in space.

PhotonGrav

PhotonGrav – (company CortiVision) is an experiment testing an innovative brain-computer interface in weightlessness conditions. It uses the fNIRS (functional near-infrared spectroscopy) method to monitor the astronaut's brain activity while working in orbit. During the experiment, the astronaut will undergo several test sessions: during mental tasks and at rest, brain activity will be measured using the fNIRS system. The collected signals will then be used to