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Pushing the Boundaries of Research
Collaboration in space research and educational activities, which aims to connect Czech universities and research institutions in the field of space exploration and technology, is a key objective of the CAERPIN (Czech Aerospace Research Institute) consortium. This consortium was established on the basis of a Memorandum of Cooperation, which was signed in May 2023 on the joint initiative of Masaryk University (MUNI) and Brno University of Technology (BUT). In addition to scientific and research activities, one of the main objectives of this cooperation is to motivate young people to study technical fields and to participate in space research.

The consortium involves leading Czech universities working together to develop research programmes and experiments that can be implemented not only in planned missions, such as the upcoming flight of astronaut Ales Svoboda to the International Space Station (ISS), but also in other future projects.

The collaboration is thus not only a scientific initiative, but also has an educational dimension, with the aim of preparing new generations of professionals who will be able to contribute to the further development of space technology and space exploration.

More about the collaboration
"The involvement of Czech companies and research institutions, including VŠB-TUO, in international space projects strengthens our position on the global stage. The cooperation with astronaut Ales Svoboda and his mission to the ISS provides us not only with an opportunity to test and demonstrate our research projects, but also to inspire and motivate the next generation of scientists and innovators."
- prof. Ing. Radek Martinek, Ph.D.
VSB-TUO University Coordinator for Space Research
"Masaryk University is currently intensively deepening its space research, building on a wide range of successful projects in the fields of geography, human physiology, psychology, sociology, law, mathematics, sports science and pedagogy. This multidisciplinary approach not only expands the frontiers of knowledge, but also makes it easier to apply scientific results in practice. Close cooperation with the Czech Antarctic Programme brings Masaryk University unique opportunities for research in extreme conditions that can mimic those of space. This synergy between different disciplines strengthens Masaryk University's position as a major player in Czech space research and opens the door to new opportunities for collaboration and innovation in space research."
- prof. MUDr. Julie Dobrovolná, Ph.D.
MUNI University Space Research Coordinator
"The University of Defence, in line with NATO priorities and reflecting current trends in military technology, focuses on research and development in the field of space defence within the CAERPIN (Czech Aerospace Research Institute) consortium. This consortium, of which the University is a founding member, aims to join forces with Czech scientists and space research experts to support the preparation of research activities for the potential mission of the Czech ESA backup astronaut, Major Ales Svoboda, to the International Space Station (ISS)."
- Prof. RNDr. Vanda Boštíková, Ph.D.
University of Defence University Coordinator for Space Research
At Brno University of Technology (BUT), we embrace the challenges associated with space technologies with unwavering zeal and a visionary approach. The Czech Republic, much like numerous other countries, is currently experiencing a shortage of specialists and a decline in interest in studying technical disciplines. In this context, the cosmos serves as a potent source of inspiration and motivation for potential students. Our innovative engineering study program, Space Applications, positions us at the forefront of space education and research in the Czech Republic, opening up entirely unprecedented opportunities for our students. We stand on the brink of a new era, in which BUT plays a pivotal role in the field of technical education for the further successful development of the knowledge and innovation economy, which we consider fundamental to maintaining our country's competitiveness on a global scale and is also our contribution towards solving global challenges. The planned mission of Czech astronaut Aleš Svoboda to the International Space Station (ISS) therefore has our university's full support. His manned space flight represents not only a new milestone in Czech university research but will also serve as an inspiration for future generations of pioneers in the technology sector.
- Ing. Vratislav Šálený, Ph.D.
BUT University Coordinator for Space Research
"Within CTU there are a number of scientific research teams dedicated to the development of technologies for space applications. The opportunity to participate in new research in the field of "human space exploration" with partners from both commercial and academic spheres will enable the creation of modern globally competitive technologies and provide unique experience and knowledge to students at all levels of study."
- doc. Ing. Patrik Kutílek, MSc., Ph.D.
CTU University Coordinator for Space Research
For Charles University, involvement in space research is not only a further step in the fields of scientific research and education, but also an important step towards the wider promotion of cutting-edge science, through which our society is able to overcome its own boundaries. Thanks to collaborations such as this, we can, for example, increase the motivation of talented young people to study technology, engineering or mathematics, and of course not only in these fields. Several faculties of Charles University already have projects and programmes with this theme running in part, but now there is a whole new opportunity to bring these sub-areas together and create a solid foundation for all those who want to pursue space research and the technologies associated with its exploration more comprehensively at the UK, with an important overlap into the third role of the university, the popularisation and communication of science.
- Assoc. RNDr. Martin Vlach, Ph.D.
Vice-Rector for Public Relations UK
Collaboration in the areas of space research, applications, space experiments, technologies, etc. across the CAERPIN consortium members is a very good opportunity to further develop our universities and research institutes. It is a good opportunity to raise the economic level and further develop the national economy built on knowledge, skills and cooperation, not only in the field of industry, efficient administration, but also in services and other fields.
I am very positive about the fact that this is not only an opportunity for universities, research or development institutions, but especially for their students, young aspiring colleagues... effective collaboration is always a good inspiration and motivation for the next generation of researchers, engineers and technologists.
Mendel University in Brno, with its history and wide range of disciplines and activities, is very happy to join this initiative and believes that in cooperation with other institutions, as well as individuals, it will contribute to the development not only of its students, but also of national space research and its applicable results in the Czech Republic or Europe.
- Ing. Libor Lenža, Ph.D.
University of Mendel University in Brno, University Coordinator for Space Research

The main
areas of cooperation

  • The use of AI in space technology
  • Big data processing in space missions
  • Astronautics
  • Space medicine and physiology
  • Space technologies, applications and systems
  • Space exploration without human involvement
  • Space mobility
  • Space automation/robotics

The research directions

Astronaut monitoring
Applications of artificial intelligence and big data processing from space missions
Robotics/Automation
Mobilty
One of the current goals of the CAERPIN (Czech Aerospace Research Institute) consortium is cooperation in space research, which should result in the preparation of a research programme for astronaut Ales Svoboda, who is preparing for a mission to the International Space Station.

ESA backup astronaut Ales Svoboda has the chance to become the second Czech in space after Vladimir Remek. It is now up to Czech scientists to come up with experiments that he could carry out during his mission to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of his own research programme.

"Space flight to the ISS is neither a trip nor a one-off event. In the vast majority of countries, it is part of the national space programme concept and long-term strategy. In addition to the involvement of Czech research institutions and universities in cutting-edge international projects whose scientific and technical experiments go to the ISS, this is an opportunity to involve Czech companies."
- major Aleš Svoboda

Space Education Activities

16.9.2024
Astro Pi: Mission Space Lab
Launch date: 16 September 2024Closing date: 24 March 2025 Send your code into space Astro Pi: Mission Space LabFor more […]
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