Expedition of a Czech Astronaut: A Unique Opportunity for Czech Science and Industry

The discussion on the possible preparation of a scientific and technical programme for the eventual space mission of astronaut Ales Svoboda was the aim of the seminar Challenges and Opportunities for Czech Scientists and Technicians in the National Space Mission, which took place on 26 June 2023 in the Upper Chamber of the Parament of the Czech Republic. Radek Martinek, Space Research Coordinator, attended the event on behalf of VŠB-TUO. According to the participants, the expedition of the Czech astronaut offers a unique opportunity for Czech science and industry.

“After five decades, we have a real chance to send another citizen of the Czech Republic into the orbit of the planet Earth to carry out national scientific and technical experiments. Of course, such a project will not be easy, so it is desirable to start a discussion on its organisational and administrative complexity, the actual readiness of the scientific and technical programme and its impact on Czech science and technology, as well as on secondary and higher education institutions,” the organisers invited representatives of universities, scientific institutions, state authorities and private companies to the seminar. The main point of the programme was a presentation by Aleš Svoboda, a member of the European Space Agency’s backup team of astronauts who could go to the International Space Station as early as next year.

The seminar was held under the auspices of the Committee on EU Affairs, with opening remarks by the President of the Senate, Miloš Vystrčil, and the Vice-Chairman of the European Committee, Jiří Dušek. Representatives of universities, academic and private companies agreed that this is a unique opportunity to involve and raise the profile of Czech scientific and research teams working on long-term projects, for example in the field of physiology, medicine or radiology. More specifically, this includes research on stress, cognitive load, measurement of biosignals, development of radiation dosimeters or some astronomical observations.

“It is not just about scientific research, however, the national mission is a unique challenge for Czech companies involved in the rapidly growing space industry and a chance to expand international cooperation on a European and transatlantic scale, as well as a huge opportunity to support Czech education. An important part of such expeditions to the International Space Station are educational activities involving primary and secondary school students. Equally important is the motivational character of such a project, which is proving to attract the interest of the younger generation in science and technology,” commented Miloš Vystrčil, President of the Senate of the Parliament of the Czech Republic, on the website of the Senate.