In Science and Space: Axiom Space, a provider of services for human spaceflight, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary have agreed to work together to advance opportunities for space research and technology development, according to Axiom. The business and Hungary have now entered into a second agreement.

The deal is an extension of last year’s agreement between Axiom and the Hungarian government. The deal formalized a partnership to send a Hungarian cosmonaut back into space. The new MOU allows for further cooperation and possible joint development beyond sending a Hungarian to the ISS.

This Memorandum of Understanding is intended to advance the Hungarian Astronaut Program in Orbital (HUNOR). HUNOR will see a Hungarian astronaut fly to the International Space Station (ISS) on an Axiom Commercial Astronaut Mission for US$100 million.

Hungary has already begun the astronaut selection process and received 244 applications, of which only 39 were women. Applications have been narrowed down to eight candidates, but the final decision will only be made a few months before the actual assignment.