Tree planting for Ignis

Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski, ESA project astronaut and the first Polish astronaut of the new generation to fly to space, is continuing a cherished tradition at the European Astronaut Centre (EAC) in Cologne, Germany. As he prepares for the upcoming Ignis mission, Sławosz is planting his astronaut tree—an enduring symbol of his connection to Earth before he journeys beyond it. During the ceremony, he was joined by Frank De Winne, Head of the European Astronaut Centre, Group Leader for Low Earth Orbit Exploration and former ESA astronaut, who offered a helping hand with the planting.

The Ignis mission, named after the Latin word for ‘fire,’ represents the spark igniting a new era in Poland’s space endeavours. The symbolism of fire and flight is also reflected in the American sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) tree chosen for each astronaut. In autumn, its leaves turn a vivid red and orange, mirroring the fiery tail of a rocket at launch—a powerful image that resonates with both the Ignis mission patch and the very essence of space exploration.  

Sławosz was selected as an ESA astronaut reserve member in 2022 and became a project astronaut in 2023. Now assigned to Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), he is undergoing intensive training with his crew mates before the expected launch no earlier than May 2025.  

His flight, sponsored by the Polish government and supported by ESA, will carry out an ambitious programme of scientific and technological experiments for Poland and all of Europe. 

The astronaut tree-planting tradition at EAC has its roots in the long-standing human spaceflight custom of planting trees before launch. ESA astronauts from the 2009 and 2022 classes who have flown missions have followed this ritual, and today, Sławosz continues the tradition in Cologne.  

With his tree standing among those of preceding ESA astronauts, Sławosz’s Ignis tree burns bright in spirit, symbolising the strength, resilience and international collaboration that define human spaceflight. As it grows, it will serve as a lasting tribute to his journey and the knowledge he will bring back to Earth.