Future astronaut Svoboda will undergo sea survival training and weightlessness2/9/2025|Press releasesAleš Svoboda, a fighter pilot and member of the European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut back-up team, is entering the second phase of his preparations for his future mission to space. Eight weeks of intensive training in Cologne and other European locations will bring new experience: from designing and managing space missions to the basics of aerodynamics and orbital mechanics and such challenges as survival training in the Baltic Sea and a weightless parabolic flight in Bordeaux, France. In a huge competition of more than 22 000 candidates from all over Europe, Aleš Svoboda became part of the European Space Agency's astronaut team in 2022. This success underscores the growing importance of the Czech Republic in space missions and the ambition of the Czechs to contribute to technological progress in high value-added industries. The Czech government's decision in May to support Aleš Svoboda's mission to the International Space Station (ISS) moved the entire project from planning to a real commitment. Aleš is now in the second stage of the three stages of astronaut training. It will take place from 2 September to 24 October at the ESA training centre in Cologne. The mission of the first Czech astronaut, which is part of the national project Czech Journey to Space, involves educational activities, popularization of science and so-called STEM fields, spreading awareness of the importance and benefits of space activities and the Czech Republic's successes in the international arena. "With the launch of the second phase of Aleš Svoboda's training, the Czech Republic is now entering a new chapter of its space ambitions. For the first time in history, we have a real candidate who is preparing for the possibility of a flight to the International Space Station. This means that the Czech name will soon be heard in space again. It is a strong symbol that even a smaller country can play an important role in the most ambitious projects of mankind and become part of the club where the future of science, technology and international cooperation is decided," says Martin Kupka, transport minister, under whose ministry space activities fall. From theory to practice: preparing for life on board the ISS The second part of Aleš Svoboda's astronaut training for ESA is more specific and targets the knowledge and skills needed for space flight. The programme covers space mission design, orbital mechanics, basic aerodynamics and rocket engine principles, and detailed introduction to the design and systems of the International Space Station. Human anatomy and physiology are also an important part of this. What matters is how the human body reacts to the conditions in space. "The first part of the training was more general, but now we are getting into things that are directly related to spaceflight. From orbital mechanics and manoeuvring in orbit to the functioning of the individual ISS systems. Every day we are closer to what actually awaits an astronaut in orbit," says Aleš Svoboda, revealing more about his astronaut training programme. In addition to theoretical training, the astronauts will also have practical blocks. In Bordeaux, France, they will take part in a parabolic flight, during which they will learn how to move and work in a state of zero gravity, and in Rostock, North Germany, they will take part in a sea survival training, which simulates a situation when the re-entry module lands in the ocean. The programme is complemented by physical and fitness training, virtual reality work for orientation inside and outside the ISS, and PR training, including taking photos and videos from on board the station. "I'm most looking forward to the zero-gravity training, because there everything will come together, both the physical experience and what we have learned so far only in theory. This year I had the opportunity to try Zero-G with our cadets as part of the Czech Journey to Space project and it was a great experience. I'm also curious about the sea survival training. An astronaut has to be prepared for everything, whether it is work in orbit or emergency situations on return," says Aleš about the complex and intensive training. The training group has grown, when compared with the first part. Instead of five participants, eight astronauts will now complete the training, providing even more room for teamwork and experience sharing. Training that inspires and moves the Czech Republic forward In spring 2026, Aleš Svoboda will face the final block of preparations. Every day of training, which tests his physical and mental endurance, is already becoming part of the wider story of the rise of Czech astronautics. "The story of Aleš Svoboda is not just one pilot's personal journey to orbit. It is an inspiration for the whole young generation that even from the Czech Republic it is possible to aim for the stars and to make it in the most demanding international projects. Every step he takes in training strengthens our national self-confidence and opens the door to new talents who will one day carry the baton of the Czech aerospace industry. This mission is about the whole Czech Republic learning to look further and bolder into the future," minister Martin Kupka added.