“Polish Space Elevator”: PERUN Rocket Discussed by CEO on TVN24’s “Kijek w Kosmosie”
The guest of the discussion was Robert Magiera, CEO of SpaceForest and director of PERUN rocket space missions. The conversation focused on plans for a Polish spaceport, the development of space technologies in Poland and the dual-use potential of these solutions – meaning their applications not only in scientific research and industry but also in defense systems.
▶️ Watch video at the bottom of the article.
PERUN rocket demonstrates Poland’s growing space capabilities
The launch of PERUN rocket from the Ustka test range demonstrated that Poland is not just dreaming about space – it is starting to reach it in practice. PERUN suborbital rocket, developed by SpaceForest, is designed to reach altitudes of up to 150 km. This allows for conducting scientific experiments, testing new technologies in microgravity and spaceflight conditions, as well as validating satellite components and communication systems. According to Robert Magiera, a spaceport in Ustka would reduce the duration of experiments from months to just a week, giving Polish scientists and technology companies a significant advantage in research and technology development.
The launch of the PERUN rocket from Ustka showed that Poland is not just dreaming about space – it is starting to reach it. Moreover, PERUN, a suborbital rocket by SpaceForest, can reach altitudes of up to 150 km. This allows scientific experiments, testing new technologies in microgravity, and validating satellite components and communication systems. Accordingly, Robert Magiera notes that a spaceport in Ustka would cut experiment durations from months to a week, giving Polish scientists and companies a significant advantage.
The concept of a Polish suborbital spaceport
The idea of a Polish suborbital spaceport is taking increasingly concrete shape. A group of MPs from the Pomerania region has called on the Ministry of National Defense to establish a permanent launch infrastructure for Polish suborbital rockets. A domestic spaceport would allow scientific and technological experiments to be carried out without relying on foreign facilities – for example, launches in Scandinavia can take up to a month. In Ustka, the entire cycle – launch, payload recovery and data analysis – could take just a week.
Upcoming PERUN missions in 2026
The next PERUN missions are planned for 2026. Launches will take place from Santa Maria Island in the Azores, Ustka in Poland, and a floating platform in the North Sea near Denmark, where conditions are most challenging. These suborbital flights will test systems under supersonic speeds, high g-forces, and vibrations, giving Polish scientists the chance to develop space experiments.
Payload call for upcoming flights
SpaceForest has opened the call for payloads for upcoming PERUN missions and invites scientists, research teams and technology companies to submit their experiments for testing in suborbital flight and microgravity conditions.
Technologies tested in these conditions have dual-use potential, meaning they can be applied in both scientific and industrial projects as well as in security and defense systems.
Research payloads are accepted via a short application form, available together with a detailed description on the dedicated subpage: https://spaceforest.pl/call-for-payloads/
PERUN as part of Poland’s space vision
As Robert Magiera emphasizes, PERUN is part of a larger vision for developing space technologies in Poland. “Suborbital access to space allows us to test technologies that may eventually go into orbit. It is a huge tool for science and the technology industry in Central and Eastern Europe.” – Robert Magiera.
Ustka – Poland’s potential first suborbital spaceport
Ustka could become Poland’s first suborbital spaceport. The site would feature launch pads, a technical hall with utilities and social facilities and a storage area for propellants. The investment, worth several million PLN, would give Poland a unique scientific, technological, and strategic advantage, strengthening its position in space.
Strengthening Poland’s position in space
Poland is increasingly asserting its presence in space. Thanks to PERUN rocket, the initiation of government-level discussions about a suborbital spaceport in Ustka, and the ongoing payload call, the country is becoming a partner in international space missions. Polish scientists and companies can now test their technologies in space – faster, more efficiently, and closer to home.
Watch the Video
Watch now on YouTube – the full interview with Robert Magiera from TVN24 program “Kijek w Kosmosie”.