Czech Republic Invests Billions to Launch Astronaut to Space

The Czech Republic is making a bold move into space exploration, with plans to invest billions of crowns into projects aimed at launching its own satellites and even sending a Czech astronaut to the International Space Station (ISS).

Aleš Svoboda, a seasoned military pilot, is poised to become the first Czech to reach the ISS. In just a few years, he will gaze down on Earth from an altitude of 350 kilometers. “Aside from being a childhood dream, this mission is a natural progression in my career,” Svoboda shared.

Before reaching orbit, Svoboda will undergo intense endurance training in Germany, including survival courses designed for emergency landings in harsh environments like deserts or mountains. This rigorous preparation will cover everything from winter survival tactics to advanced diving skills.

Svoboda’s mission is set to take place within the next five years. Currently, scientists are selecting the research projects he will participate in, which could range from 3D printing to pioneering cancer treatment methods, according to Václav Kobera, the coordinator of the Czech Space Journey project.

The cost of sending a Czech astronaut to the ISS is estimated at around two billion crowns. However, Transport Minister Martin Kupka (ODS) argues that the investment is worthwhile, pointing out that other countries have seen up to an eightfold return on similar investments.

The Czech Republic is no stranger to space endeavors; forty years ago, the nation launched its first satellite and sent an astronaut into space. “It was a tremendous honor for me,” recalls Vladimír Remek, the first Czechoslovak in space.

The country is well-positioned to make significant contributions to space research, drawing on a pool of top scientists, innovative companies, and groundbreaking ideas.

An example of such innovation is the creation of the “Pepek,” the first Czech liquid rocket engine, developed in Brno on a surprisingly modest budget. “It’s a fully functional rocket engine,” explained its designer, Marek Otevřel.

Even young Czechs are making waves in space exploration. A team of high school students recently won an international competition with their proposal to remove debris from space.

Their winning project involves launching a small cube-shaped satellite, roughly the size of a coin, into orbit. From Earth, they will fire a laser at the satellite to study how the beam interacts with the atmosphere. “This laser could help us direct space debris back into the atmosphere,” said Simon Klinga, the leader of the LASAR team.

The Czech military is also eyeing space, with plans underway to develop a network of surveillance satellites.

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