The Czech journey to space continues: Aleš Svoboda successfully mastered the demanding challenges of6/2/2025|Press releases18 December 2024 – After almost fifty years, a Czech astronaut is preparing for a trip to space. A few days ago, Army combat pilot Major Aleš Svoboda officially completed the first of three phases of the European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut reserve team training programme in Cologne, Germany. The seven-week training included, among other things, the basics of biology and physiology with an emphasis on the body's adaptation to weightlessness, winter survival training, training for outdoor ascents and media training. The next phase of ESA training awaits Svoboda in the second half of next year, with the final preparatory block in spring 2026. . The mission of the Czech astronaut is part of the Czech Journey to Space project, which links education and popularisation of science with the strengthening of the Czech space industry, thus boosting the Czech Republic's position in global activities with high added value. "Every day of Aleš Svoboda's training in the elite team of European reserve astronauts represents not only a personal progress for him, but also another step for the Czech footprint in space. We should be proud of what we can do both as a nation and as individuals," says transport minister Martin Kupka, whose department is responsible for space activities. The Ministry of Defence, to which Aleš Svoboda belongs, is also cooperating with the Ministry of Transport in the preparation of the Czech Journey to Space. "The Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic fully supports Major Aleš Svoboda's mission and looks forward to his future space achievements. The story of Aleš is an inspiring example for the young generation, to whom the contemporary astronaut shows how the combination of military training and scientific knowledge can open the way to new opportunities, even into space," said defence minister Jana Černochová. The first phase of training at the European Astronaut Centre included 263 hours of intensive theoretical and practical training. The first group of astronauts successfully completed basic biology and physiology to understand the effects of spaceflight on human health, a complete overview of the European space programme and the ISS programme, winter survival training and presentation skills training. There was also training in physical fitness, which is regularly checked during the astronauts' training, or work with social media, which are nowadays an integral part of astronauts' communication with the public. Astronauts face physically and mentally demanding challenges during their training, often being pushed to their limits. "The biggest experience and challenge for me was the diving training, which is an essential element of astronaut training. It is the water environment that best simulates the conditions in space especially weightlessness. Treading water without the aid of my hands for 10 minutes was quite a challenge, I was learning as I went along. In the training we also focused on the development of teamwork and problem solving in simulated crisis situations. Reacting quickly to unexpected situations is part of the package of necessary skills for every astronaut," says Czech astronaut Aleš Svoboda, who returned to the Czech Republic from Cologne a few days ago. Aleš Svoboda's training at the European Astronaut Centre opens a new chapter of Czech participation in space. It offers countless opportunities for the national space industry and research to compete in the global marketplace, while stimulating interest in science and modern technology among the general public and the younger generation. "Aleš Svoboda's efforts inspire future generations to pursue their dreams and not be afraid to experiment. Encouraging young people to study science and technology is very important to us and is therefore one of the key objectives of the Czech Journey to Space. But the benefits of his space mission are much more than we realise," says minister Kupka, describing the importance of the Czech space mission. The second phase of the training will start in August next year and will be more practical than the first block. Reserve astronauts will focus on spaceflight and space engineering, space research, overview of on-board systems on the ISS or survival training at sea. Once there is clarity on the specific national projects which Aleš is to undertake in space, his training will focus exclusively on them. Media contact: František Jemelka press@mdcr.cz +420 606 068 729 Rostislav Fridrich info@army.cz +420 725 011 963