Czech space programme enters a new phase

Responsibility for the Czech Republic’s space activities is being transferred from the Ministry of Transport to the Ministry of Industry and Trade. The change reflects the growing strategic importance of space activities for the Czech economy, technological development and long-term competitiveness.

The agenda also includes the national project Czech Journey to Space, which is preparing a mission of a Czech astronaut to orbit as part of a mission to the International Space Station (ISS). According to a representative public survey, the mission enjoys exceptionally strong public support, with 90% of Czech citizens expressing a positive view.

“Space is no longer only about science but also about economics and modern industry. It is therefore logical that the space agenda is moving under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, which is responsible for industry, innovation and the implementation of the economic strategy Czechia: The Country for the Future 2.0. We want cutting-edge research to have the strongest possible links to Czech companies and new technologies. I also met with Czech astronaut Aleš Svoboda to discuss the project,” said Karel Havlíček, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industry and Trade.

Opportunities for industry and research

Space technologies increasingly influence key sectors ranging from healthcare and energy to security and communication infrastructure. Participation in a national mission offers Czech companies and research teams an opportunity to obtain a “space-proven” reference, which can help open doors to global markets.

The portfolio of 13 Czech experiments currently being prepared for the planned ISS mission includes projects focused on:

• monitoring physiological changes in space
• personal dosimetry systems
• biotechnology for closed life-support systems
• testing of advanced materials

The results may find applications in industry, healthcare and other sectors on Earth.

Strong public support for the mission

At the same time as the transfer of the agenda, the Czech Journey to Space project published the results of a representative public survey conducted by the STEM/MARK agency.

The survey confirms strong public backing for the mission:

• 90% of respondents view the mission positively
• 89% believe the mission demonstrates the Czech Republic’s ability to keep pace with global technological development
• 86% believe it can inspire younger generations to pursue science and technology
• 85% believe a successful mission would strengthen national pride

“The transfer of the agenda to the Ministry of Industry and Trade will allow us to better connect space activities with the country’s industrial and innovation policies. At the same time, we see the survey results as an important signal that the public supports this direction and considers the space programme part of the country’s future development. Our priority is therefore to build long-term capabilities so that the Czech Republic is not only a participant in individual projects, but also a strong and respected partner in international space cooperation,” said Václav Kobera, coordinator of the national project Czech Journey to Space.

Next phase of the national space programme

The Czech Journey to Space project was launched by the Ministry of Transport in June 2024, which coordinated its initial phase. The Ministry of Industry and Trade is now taking over the agenda with the aim of more systematically linking space activities with the development of high-tech industry, research and exports.

The Ministry of Defence will also play a stronger role in the project. This reflects the fact that the Czech astronaut in training, Major Aleš Svoboda, is a member of the Czech Armed Forces, and also highlights the growing importance of space as a fully recognised operational domain in modern defence.

Source: Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic.