ESA astronaut Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski recently shared stunning time-lapse videos of Earth and the Moon taken from the International Space Station (ISS) during his Ignis mission. Filmed from the Cupola module, these clips offer a unique and fast-paced view of our planet’s atmosphere and the Moon’s journey through space.
Uznański-Wiśniewski was aboard the ISS for 20 days as part of the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), which launched on June 25, 2025, in a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. While the captivating videos grabbed attention, they were just a small part of a larger mission focused on scientific research.
During his stay, Uznański-Wiśniewski conducted 13 experiments from Polish research institutions and three additional studies led by ESA. These experiments ranged from human physiology to biotechnology and technology demonstrations, all aimed at advancing scientific knowledge and preparing for future missions.
The videos, which highlight the dynamic nature of Earth—from shifting clouds to atmospheric glows and the Moon rising over the horizon—were released on ESA’s multimedia platform. They capture not just the beauty of our planet from above but also showcase the technical capabilities of modern space photography. In total, they compress extensive footage into just over nine minutes of engaging visuals.
The Ignis mission represents a broader commitment to fostering science and international collaboration. Backed by the Polish government and supported by ESA, it marks a significant step in joint space endeavors and scientific exploration.
While this mission has generated excitement, it resonates with ongoing trends in space exploration. Reports show that interest in space travel is at an all-time high, with over 60% of respondents in a recent survey expressing enthusiasm for crewed space missions. This growing interest reflects a collective hope in pushing the boundaries of what we can achieve in science and technology.
As space missions like Ignis unfold, they not only enhance our understanding of the universe but also inspire future generations of scientists and explorers.
For more information, you can explore ESA’s official page on the Ignis mission here.
