
Interview with Professor Ing. Jan Platoš, Ph.D.
As Dean of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, which research directions in space do you consider interesting for your faculty?
At our faculty, one of the most interesting areas is definitely the development of new types of sensors, which gives rise to other areas ranging from signal processing, application of artificial intelligence methods, but also requires support for new materials, control algorithms and many others.
According to the information on the website, your research team is involved in big data processing. Can you elaborate more on this area of your research?
Big data has been around since the beginning of space exploration, and its size is always a reflection of the quality of the sensors and resources we use for research. Today, every piece of space equipment is measured, from the engines to the crew. By analysing this data, it is possible to prevent failures, extend the lifetime of instruments and entire modules or satellites, improve the environment for the crew and monitor their health, and much more.
Space exploration activities are experiencing massive growth. NASA is planning a mission to the Moon and SpaceX, led by Elon Musk, is changing the paradigm of space exploration. Many universities are investing heavily in building new research centres. In the Czech Republic, too, the number of space technology companies is growing rapidly. What opportunities do you see for your faculty and university in this rapidly developing field?
Our faculty and university have all the key knowledge needed for applications in space technology. Whether it is new materials, new control algorithms and the whole design of space satellites and probes, advanced data analysis within the equipment and after transmission to ground sites, new design solutions and optimization of both mass and equipment, the use of supercomputers to find the optimal combination of all parameters needed for example for the design of small satellites, but also in the context of safety, waste treatment, environment. Each faculty and research centre has the potential to contribute its expertise and take space research further.
Your university space research coordinator told me that you have a Saturn V model in your office, as well as the Apollo lander. Are you a fan of space programs?
Yes, I’m a big fan of space programs and space-themed movies. I regularly watch documentaries about the development of the Apollo program and other programs, the development of the space shuttles but also SpaceX, Chinese Japanese, Indian and other programs going into space, to the moon or to colonize Mars. Any research that is directed in this direction provides very valuable knowledge and inventions that will find application in everyday life.
What are your plans for the faculty in 2024?
This year, we want to focus on developing the cooperation of Czech universities within the CAERPIN consortium, but also work on our first cube-sat that would be able to verify the functionality of our latest research even in weightlessness and accelerate collaboration in the space programme across our faculties and research centres.
