The Government of the Czech Republic has approved the historic mission of Czech astronaut Aleš Svoboda to the International Space Station (ISS). The cost of the mission, estimated at CZK 2 billion, will be spread over three years, the Czech Transport Ministry said in a press release.
"This project represents a unique opportunity for Czech science, industry and education. We expect that the investment will pay back several times over by strengthening the Czech economy and increasing interest in technical fields," said the Minister of Transport Martin Kupka. The mission is a key part of the "Czech Journey to Space" project, which aims to promote innovation, involve Czech companies in the space industry and inspire the young generation to take an interest in scientific and technical fields.
Commenting on the mission, Svoboda, a European Space Agency (ESA) reserve astronaut, said: "I am very happy that I will be able to represent the Czech Republic on the International Space Station. It is not only an honour, but also a great responsibility. I am looking forward to the preparation and the opportunity to contribute to scientific experiments that will move Czech science and industry forward."
The mission, planned for 2027 or 2028, is likely to be carried out in cooperation with the US company SpaceX, which will provide the launch of the astronaut into orbit using the Crew Dragon spacecraft and Falcon 9 rocket.
The Department of Transportation has already selected 14 scientific experiments to be carried out by Ales Svoboda on the ISS. These projects include research in the fields of medicine, immunology, nanorobotics, dosimetry and radiation physics, including cancer treatment research led by the Masaryk Institute of Oncology in Brno.
Other experiments include the METRO project, focused on the development of bioregenerative systems for oxygen and food production in space, prepared by the Czech Technical University (CTU) in cooperation with the Czech Academy of Sciences. "The scientific experiments that Aleš Svoboda will carry out on the ISS will push the boundaries of our knowledge and bring concrete benefits to Czech science and industry," Kupka added.
Ales Svoboda has already started intensive training at the European Astronaut Centre (EAC) in Cologne, which includes technical training, physical training, survival courses and diving. According to the ministry's estimates, the mission has the potential to deliver up to an eightfold return on investment thanks to the development of the space industry, the involvement of Czech companies and increased interest in scientific and technical fields.
Ales Svoboda's CZK 2 billion (approximately USD 85 million) Czech mission includes not only a flight to the ISS, but also extensive training, the preparation of 14 scientific experiments and support for the Czech space industry. Compared to commercial flights to the ISS, which are ordered by billionaires, it is more expensive, but the Czech mission puts more emphasis on scientific and economic benefits. Suborbital flights (Blue Origin, Virgin Galactic) are significantly cheaper, but offer only a short-term experience without a scientific focus.
For example, the mission to the ISS organised by Axiom Space cost approximately USD 55 million (approx. CZK 1.3 billion). The Inspiration4 mission (2021), funded by billionaire Jared Isaacman, cost an estimated USD 200 million (CZK 4.7 billion) for a crew of four, or roughly USD 50 million (CZK 1.2 billion) per person.
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