The Czech Republic has poured a lot of government funding into space missions. Now, the country is getting ready to send its first national astronaut to the International Space Station.
They keep building up their space chops by teaming up with international groups like Axiom Space.
Each year, the Czech government puts 275 million CZK into European Space Agency programs. That money helps drive the National Space Plan 2020-2025, which pushes the Czech space industry forward.
The Ministry of Transport runs space activities and covers most of the Czech payments to ESA. Since they joined ESA as a full member in 2008, Czech companies have finished over 350 space projects.
AMBIC and QUVIK are two of the country’s big space missions right now. The Ministry of Transport’s Committee picked these missions to boost Czech space exploration.
The government also approved funding for Czech astronaut missions, with a price tag of two billion CZK. This move really shows they want to make a mark in human spaceflight.
Aleš Svoboda is set to become the Czech Republic’s first national astronaut on the International Space Station. The government gave his 2025 mission the green light.
His flight is part of the bigger “Czech Journey to Space” project. This long-term effort is supposed to help shift the Czech economy toward high-value space work.
Svoboda’s trip will be a huge milestone for Czech space efforts. It’s honestly the result of years of planning and investment.
The ISS mission aims to inspire young people and grow the Czech space industry. Schools will use Svoboda’s experience to get students interested in STEM careers.
Transport Minister Martin Kupka reached out to Axiom Space, sending them a Letter of Intent about flying a Czech astronaut. This opens the door for more Czech involvement in commercial space missions.
Working with Axiom Space signals a shift toward commercial partnerships in space. Czech leaders see private companies becoming more important in space exploration.
International teamwork is still a key part of the Czech space plan. They want to build stronger ties with other spacefaring nations, especially across Europe.
The Axiom deal builds on their ESA membership and links with big aerospace companies. Czech firms now supply parts for Airbus, Thales, and OHB through ESA.
The Czech space program has a mix of historic firsts and bold new missions. From Vladimír Remek’s legendary 1978 flight to Aleš Svoboda’s upcoming ISS mission, Czech astronauts keep moving space exploration forward with international partners.
Vladimír Remek made history in March 1978 as the first Czech astronaut—and the first space traveler who wasn’t American or Soviet. He launched on Soyuz 28 and reached the Soviet Salyut 6 space station during the Cold War.
His mission lasted eight days and really put Czechoslovakia on the space map. The Soviets ran the Intercosmos program so their allies could send astronauts too.
Remek’s historic achievement inspired a whole generation of Czech engineers and scientists. His legacy is still a big part of Czech space identity even decades later.
He ran scientific experiments and tested technology that Czech scientists and engineers designed. Remek also did Earth observation studies from space.
Aleš Svoboda is bringing the Czech Republic back to human spaceflight after almost 50 years. ESA picked him from their astronaut reserve pool in 2022, and he’ll be the first Czech astronaut to visit the ISS.
The Czech government signed with Axiom Space in September 2024 to send Svoboda up. He’ll ride a SpaceX Crew Dragon as part of a commercial astronaut mission to the station.
His mission is tied to the “Czech Journey to Space” project. It’s all about education, popularizing science, and giving the Czech space industry a boost.
Svoboda will take fourteen experiments to the ISS, covering everything from biotech and human physiology to tech testing. These are supposed to help both science and Czech industry.
When the Czech Republic joined ESA in 2008, it opened the door for Czech astronaut hopefuls. ESA’s 2022 selection round drew 22,500 applicants from all over Europe.
Seventeen people made the final list. Five became full astronaut candidates, and twelve—including Svoboda—joined the reserve pool.
Svoboda started specialized training at the European Astronaut Centre after getting picked for the ISS mission. He’s learning technical systems, scientific protocols, and keeping up with physical training.
The training gets him ready for everyday tasks—and emergencies—on the space station. Czech space officials work with ESA and Axiom Space to make sure he’s prepared.
Czech space missions have become real symbols of national pride and tech progress. The government sees Svoboda’s flight as a smart investment in science, education, and the economy.
The total mission cost of 2 billion CZK will be spread across three years as part of higher ESA payments. Officials hope the investment will pay off up to eightfold with tech growth and industry expansion.
Space missions usually motivate young people to go after STEM fields. Czech leaders expect Svoboda’s flight to get students excited about aerospace engineering and research.
This mission also puts the Czech Republic on the map as an active player in space exploration. It helps build diplomatic ties and opens doors for Czech companies internationally.
The Czech Republic has turned its space sector from mostly scientific work into a pretty competitive commercial industry. Over 25 space-related startups have launched in just four years, with government planning and private investment totaling 240 million crowns.
Since 2016, the Czech space industry has grown fast. Twenty-five space technology startups launched between 2016 and 2020, making for a lively entrepreneurial scene.
These companies work on satellite tech, space components, and ground systems. Many Czech firms supply specialized equipment and software to international space programs.
The Czech Space Week festival highlights this growth every year. Startups get to meet big aerospace players and potential investors.
Czech companies have steadily joined global supply chains over the past 15 years. They now provide key parts for ESA missions and commercial satellite operators.
The startup boom owes a lot to the country’s strong engineering culture. Czech tech universities keep pumping out skilled engineers who push new ideas in space.
The Czech Space Alliance brings together established space companies with solid track records. These firms have international clients and plenty of experience.
Key collaboration benefits include:
The alliance links Czech companies with big space programs around the world. Members join forces on complex projects that need different specialties.
Czech firms work with ESA through this network. The alliance helps smaller players find bigger opportunities abroad.
Government backing makes these partnerships stronger. The Ministry of Transport coordinates activities and helps connect the industry.
The 240 million crowns invested in Czech space startups has brought real economic gains. That money fuels job creation and tech development across the country.
Investment areas include:
Czech space companies now employ hundreds of highly skilled workers. These jobs pay well and need advanced training.
The National Space Plan 2020-2025 guides where the money goes. The plan tries to get the most out of public investment and benefit citizens.
Export revenues from Czech space companies keep climbing. International contracts bring in foreign currency and build long-term business ties.
The sector also draws more foreign investment to the Czech Republic. International firms are noticing the country’s growing skills and advantages.
The Czech Republic has built up educational programs that give students direct access to space tech and experiences. Prime Minister Petr Fiala and Transport Minister Martin Kupka kicked off the main Czech Journey to Space initiative, along with special STEM programs where students get hands-on with International Space Station technology.
The government started this project to tackle the shortage of skilled science and tech workers. Prime Minister Petr Fiala called it essential for economic growth and rebuilding.
They launched the project at the Brno Observatory and Planetarium with help from Transport Minister Martin Kupka and other officials. This spot is now the main hub for coordinating activities across the country.
The initiative mixes classroom programs with real space experiences. Students can program microcomputers that actually interact with astronauts on the ISS. This hands-on connection makes space missions feel real for Czech students.
The project hopes to inspire new tech pioneers, just like past space flights did for earlier generations. Officials know that hooking young people with space education is the key to getting them into science and engineering.
Czech students get some pretty unique chances to experience space-like conditions. Each year, twenty students get picked for Zero-G flights on a converted Airbus 310.
These flights last about an hour and include several periods of weightlessness, thanks to parabolic flight paths. Any student aged 13 to 18 can apply online for these space ambassador spots.
Transport Minister Martin Kupka says that experiencing weightlessness can spark a lifelong love for space and science. The selection process runs through March, with several rounds.
Other STEM activities:
The European Space Education Resource Office organizes over 100 events every year. These programs let Czech students connect directly with space missions and astronauts.
Czech planetariums are the main venues for space education and public engagement. The Brno Observatory and Planetarium hosted the official launch of the Czech Journey to Space project.
These places offer immersive experiences that make space exploration feel real for students and families. They work with government ministries to deliver structured programs.
The Prague Planetarium hosts contests and film screenings to showcase student projects. Young people under 26 can enter the Mise: Film competition, with the best work shown at big venues.
Planetariums across the country organize workshops, exhibitions, and family events to get people interested in space careers. These places help bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world space applications.
Czech researchers run experiments on the International Space Station and develop advanced satellites to monitor Earth from orbit. The country’s space industry focuses on practical projects that serve both science and business.
Czech scientists often send experiments to the International Space Station thanks to partnerships with NASA and ESA. The Czech Technical University in Prague leads several research initiatives, mostly focused on materials science and biological studies in microgravity.
Some recent projects look into how zero gravity changes protein crystallization and metal alloy formation. These experiments might help develop better manufacturing processes for industries back on Earth.
VSB Technical University has prepared several research proposals for the ISS in 2025. Their projects target advanced materials testing and space-based manufacturing techniques.
The Czech Republic joins calls for proposals where academic institutions submit experiments for ISS deployment. This program connects Czech researchers directly with the space station’s research capabilities.
Czech universities work with international partners to maximize their research impact. The Institute of Space Systems at University of Stuttgart, for example, collaborates closely with Czech institutions on ISS experiments.
Czech companies are developing some pretty sophisticated satellite systems for Earth monitoring and space exploration. OHB Czechspace leads big engineering projects, including the Comet Interceptor mission launching in 2029.
The company acts as prime contractor for advanced propulsion systems and deep space exploration tech. Their work includes nuclear electric propulsion programs, which could really change the way we do long-distance space travel.
Czech satellite initiatives focus on practical uses like weather monitoring and agricultural assessment. The space industry creates systems that deliver real-time data for both government agencies and commercial clients.
The ATLAS project marks the HiLASE Centre’s move into space laser technologies. This program develops advanced laser solutions for satellite communications and space debris removal.
Czech aerospace companies join ESA missions that study comets and planetary systems. These projects help put the country on the map as a key player in European space exploration.
The Czech Republic has become a significant contributor to space technology, thanks to groundbreaking rocket propulsion systems and top-notch space hardware manufacturing. Companies in Brno and other Czech cities now supply essential components for major space missions across Europe.
Czech engineers designed the innovative Pepek rocket engine, a breakthrough for European propulsion technology. This engine stands as the first domestically designed and built rocket propulsion system in Czech history.
The Pepek engine uses advanced combustion tech to improve fuel efficiency over traditional rocket motors. Czech aerospace companies teamed up with international partners to create this system for small satellite launches.
Testing has shown the engine’s reliability in various atmospheric conditions. The propulsion system handles payloads up to 100 kilograms, making it perfect for CubeSat deployments and research missions.
Key specifications include:
This achievement puts the Czech Republic in a strong position in the European space propulsion market.
Brno-based OHB Czechspace leads the country’s space hardware manufacturing sector with contracts for major European missions. The company designs and builds crucial components for satellites, space probes, and communication systems.
Czech manufacturers specialize in precision instruments for space exploration missions. Their products include navigation systems, communication equipment, and scientific tools used on international space stations.
The space industry benefits from the Czech Republic’s strong manufacturing tradition and skilled engineering workforce. Local companies produce components that meet strict space-grade quality standards for orbital missions.
Recent projects include hardware for the Comet Interceptor mission launching in 2029. Czech-built systems will help scientists gather new data about comets and our solar system’s origins.
The Czech Republic has built strong partnerships with European space agencies and American commercial spaceflight companies. These collaborations give Czech space professionals access to orbital missions and advanced training programs.
The Czech Republic stays active in the European Space Agency, contributing to multiple space missions and technology development programs. Czech engineers and scientists join ESA’s human spaceflight initiatives, sending astronauts to the ISS.
Prague hosts the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA). This agency manages major European space systems like Galileo navigation and Copernicus Earth observation.
The country signed the Artemis Accords in May 2023, becoming the 24th nation to join this lunar exploration initiative. Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský signed the agreement with NASA Administrator Bill Nelson in Washington.
Czech space companies now access NASA’s commercial partnerships through the Artemis framework. The accords open doors for Czech tech firms to supply components for Moon and Mars missions. Czech research institutions can join joint scientific studies with American universities.
The CAERPIN consortium connects Czech universities with space research projects. This network started in 2023 to coordinate educational programs with international partners.
Axiom Space has teamed up with the Czech Republic to develop the country’s first astronaut mission to the ISS. The collaboration involves government approval and training program development for Czech space professionals.
Czech officials visited Axiom Space facilities in Houston in September 2024. The Ministry of Transport organized this delegation to discuss mission planning and astronaut selection criteria.
The proposed Czech astronaut mission depends on three main things: government funding approval, a formal agreement between Czech Republic and ESA, and Axiom Space winning a NASA contract for private astronaut missions.
The earliest launch could happen in 2027 or later. Czech astronaut candidates must complete the same tough training programs as commercial crew members for ISS operations.
Axiom Space runs private astronaut missions that usually last 8 to 14 days on the space station. These missions cost about $55 million per crew member, including training and transportation.
The Czech Republic has become a real contributor to European space initiatives through ESA partnerships and commercial collaborations. The country’s ambitious plans include sending its first astronaut to space and expanding participation in deep space missions through the Artemis Accords.
The Czech Republic stays active in the European Space Agency, providing technical expertise and research for major space programs. Czech companies develop specialized components for satellites and spacecraft systems used across Europe.
Czech space technology firms join ESA’s Earth observation missions and scientific research projects. These collaborations have brought substantial returns on investment and grown the country’s space capabilities.
The nation signed the 2025 Zero Debris Charter, showing its commitment to responsible space activities. This move positions the Czech Republic as a leader in sustainable space exploration within Europe.
Czech research institutions contribute to space science through partnerships with major European universities and space centers. Their work covers materials science, satellite technology, and space-based research.
The country’s National Space Plan 2020-2025 outlines strategic investments in space technology. This plan ensures Czech participation in future European space missions while supporting domestic industry growth.
Czech Republic joined NASA’s Artemis Accords as the twenty-fourth signatory nation, opening doors for lunar exploration missions. This agreement brings access to advanced space technologies and international collaborations.
The government launched the “Czech Journey to Space” program to send a national astronaut to the International Space Station. Minister of Transport Martin Kupka signed a Letter of Intent with Axiom Space for future human spaceflight missions.
Captain Aleš Svoboda, a 36-year-old fighter pilot, leads the candidate selection for the country’s first astronaut mission. This milestone would mark the Czech Republic’s return to human spaceflight after decades away.
Czech space companies are getting ready for commercial deep space opportunities. The nation’s growing space ecosystem joins both scientific research missions and commercial space projects.
Artemis Accords membership lets the Czech Republic participate in lunar gateway projects and Mars exploration. These opportunities will expand the country’s role beyond Earth orbit into deep space.
The Czech Republic has become a major European center for space technology development. Over the past four years, twenty-five space-related startups have launched with 240 million crowns in investment flowing into the sector.
The Czech space industry has grown quickly since 2016. More than 50 startups have completed or joined incubation programs through ESA BIC Czech Republic.
These companies usually focus on one of two main areas. Some develop new tech for space missions, while others find ways to use space technologies for commercial purposes on Earth.
Startups work on projects ranging from bicycles to suborbital rockets. Companies like SPiN (Space Products and Innovation) have even won major competitions with EUR 10,000 prizes.
Prague and Brno serve as the main hubs for space startup activity. Both cities host ESA BIC offices that support new companies. The maximum age for companies entering the program is five years.
Applicants don’t need an existing company to apply. They can establish their business after acceptance into incubation.
ESA BIC Czech Republic works with the Technology Incubation project through Space Hub. This partnership expands support for space startups across the country.
The funding process takes a few steps. Companies first apply through ESA BIC Czech Republic calls. Those seeking extended support must pass standard evaluation rounds between January 1 and May 15.
Current funding calls include TISUP SPACE programs that run throughout the year. The most recent call closed in July 2025 after a month-long application period.
CzechInvest and Space Hub are members of the Czech Space Team. They co-organize Czech Space Week to connect startups with investors and partners.
The space industry gets support from both public and private sectors. Academic institutions also help through research partnerships and technology transfer programs.
The Czech Republic’s Ministry of Transport coordinates national space strategy and manages the country’s participation in international space programs. The regulatory framework supports both commercial and scientific space ventures, aiming to maximize returns on public investment.
The Ministry of Transport has served as the main coordinator for Czech space activities since 2011. The ministry oversees contributions to the European Space Agency and creates conditions for the space industry to grow.
Under its current leadership, the Czech Republic allocated an extra 275 million Czech koruna annually to strengthen ESA participation. This investment is the main tool for developing Czech space industry capabilities.
The government’s approach focuses on building partnerships with established space powers. Recent steps include a memorandum of understanding with U.S. space company Vast to explore human spaceflight projects.
The ministry aims to create the right environment for Czech companies to stay innovative and competitive. This means fostering cooperation between academic institutions and industry, while making sure each keeps its own unique role.
The National Space Plan 2020-2025 lays out how Czech space activities get regulated. This strategy shapes how the industry and academics grow in space-related fields.
The plan sets out two big goals: build up Czech space capacities to boost competitiveness, and keep an active role in international relations. The framework really pushes for using satellite systems in daily life.
Czech law covers space activities like satellite navigation, telecommunications, Earth observation, space transport, and robotic exploration. It also covers services and applications that use collected space data (read more).
Czech companies need to join ESA projects if they want into the supply chains of big aerospace players like Airbus and Thales. The regulatory system backs this up and tries to get private investors interested in space, too.
The Czech Republic has built advanced military space capabilities using homegrown satellite tech and smart partnerships abroad. Czech defense satellites now gather intelligence independently, while NATO collaborations expand the country’s reach for space security.
The Czech Republic launched its largest defense satellite, SATurnin-1, in January 2025. At 14 kilograms, this satellite marks a pretty big step for the Czech space sector.
SATurnin-1 runs without any foreign tech. Its telescope snaps up to 100 high-res images of Earth every single day.
Key specifications include:
The Research Test and Aerospace Institute built SATurnin-1 for the Ministry of Defense. Czech companies and institutions supplied important parts, and the final assembly happened in Prague.
Military Intelligence runs a satellite center that’s been in the works since 2018. The center uses satellite images for defense and helps the government during emergencies.
Officials expect this homegrown capability to save a lot of money. The satellite means the country doesn’t have to rely on commercial foreign providers for intelligence imagery.
NATO now treats space as an operational domain, so the Czech military has ramped up its space capabilities. The Czech Republic takes part in alliance space security initiatives and works closely with partners.
U.S. Space Command keeps close ties with Czech space defense programs. Lieutenant General Thomas James even showed up at the Prague Space Security Conference in June 2025, underscoring the partnership between American and Czech forces.
The Czech Republic handles EU Council presidency duties for space security coordination. The Ministry of Defense teams up with the Ministry of Transport to organize global space security conferences.
Czech military staff work alongside Polish and other NATO partners on space security panels. These efforts zero in on military space applications and shared defense capabilities.
The Czech Republic signed the Zero Debris Charter in January 2025. By doing this, the country showed its commitment to responsible space operations and sustainable military activities.
The Czech Republic has carved out a place for itself globally by joining international space missions and keeping its space programs in the public eye. Achievements in the space industry have earned recognition at home and abroad.
The Czech Republic shows its growing influence by jumping into major international space projects. The country signed NASA’s Artemis Accords, making itself a key partner in lunar exploration.
Every year, the nation puts CZK 275 million into European Space Agency programs. Thanks to this, Czech companies have become part of international supply chains for rockets, satellites, and ground segments.
Key achievements include:
Czech Republic’s cooperation goes way beyond Europe. The country teams up with space powers worldwide, pitching in on solutions for global space efforts.
The nation plans to send a second Czech astronaut to space, following Vladimir Remek’s 1978 mission. It’s a clear sign the Czech Republic wants to stay visible in human spaceflight.
Czech space activities get a lot of media attention, both at home and internationally. The space industry has become a symbol of national tech progress and innovation.
Public curiosity stays high around the astronaut program and space missions. Media outlets highlight the shift from a Soviet-era participant to an independent European leader.
Coverage of the Czech space program often points to the country’s intellectual and technical strengths. This exposure helps the broader push for a knowledge-based, innovation-driven economy.
Schools like Brno University of Technology promote space research, keeping people aware of Czech contributions to space tech. Academic involvement keeps the public interested in the country’s space story.
Media often mention how Czech space activities boost the country’s standing and influence in Europe and beyond.
The Ministry of Transport coordinates Czech space efforts, takes part in major European missions, and supports innovative startups through special programs.
The Czech Republic runs its space activities through the Ministry of Transport, not a classic space agency. This ministry signed the Zero Debris Charter in January 2025, showing that the country takes responsible space practices seriously.
As an ESA member, the Czech Republic joins European Space Agency missions. The Framework Project provides structure and support for Czech space efforts.
Czech experts and researchers contribute technical know-how to European missions. The focus stays on areas where Czech teams bring something unique to the table.
The Czech Space Portal acts as the main hub for coordinating space activities. The Ministry of Transport runs this platform and shares info and resources for Czech space projects.
The office backs two big national missions: AMBIC and QUVIK. These missions reflect Czech ambitions in space and show off the country’s growing technical skills.
Academic partnerships and industry teamwork drive research coordination. The office connects Czech research institutes with international space programs.
The Czech Republic wants to build a solid legal framework for space. A new Act on Space Activities is in the works to cover things like authorization, registration, and liability.
Sending a second Czech astronaut to space is part of the bigger space strategy. This move aims to spark interest and inspire the next generation of space pros.
Education and workforce development rank high as strategic priorities. The “Czech Journey to Space” project targets young people, hoping to tackle shortages in science and tech fields.
The Czech Space Portal is the go-to resource for Czech space companies and organizations. This online portal covers both local and international space activities that matter to Czech interests.
TRL Space is a key player, building small satellites and probes. The company is developing Moon probes and Earth observation satellites, showing what Czech tech can do.
Industry directories also list startups and established firms working on all kinds of space tech—from satellite parts to ground support systems.
Czech Space Week 2024 ran from November 4-10, keeping its title as the biggest space festival in the country. Since 2018, the event has brought together pros and the public.
Space2Business headlined as the main industry event. The conference gathered big companies, startups, educators, and space fans from all over.
Other highlights included the Copernicus User Forum academic conference and the Space Gala celebration. The Space4Women debate put the spotlight on gender diversity in the space sector.
The ESA Business Incubation Centre program really steps in to help Czech space startups by offering support through the European framework.
Czech entrepreneurs get to tap into ESA resources and expertise that would otherwise feel out of reach.
Startups work directly with technical mentors and gain access to ESA facilities for testing. It’s a huge advantage when you’re trying to develop new space technologies.
The program also opens doors for Czech companies to enter international markets. That’s not something you can do overnight, but the support here makes it more realistic.
Startups can count on funding support and business development advice to help them figure out the tricky space industry landscape.
Honestly, companies working on satellite tech and space applications seem to benefit the most. The program gives them a real shot at making their mark.
