The Czech Republic strengthens its role in the European Space Agency

At the Ministerial Council of the European Space Agency (ESA) the Czech Republic confirmed its participation in the new programmes of the agency, thereby boosting its position in the European space sector. This follows up the National Space Plan 2026–2032, recently approved, which sets out a long-term vision for the development of Czech space activities. Thanks to these new ESA programmes signed, up to €113 million could be made available to domestic industry.

At the ESA Ministerial Council meeting held in Bremen, Germany, the Czech delegation emphasised the importance of a joint European approach to addressing current challenges – from technological excellence and competitiveness, through motivating the younger generation, strengthening support for technically oriented education, and challenges related to climate change to security aspects.

"We are committed to participating in new programmes for more participation of the Czech industry, academia and research institutions in key ESA projects. The new programs in which the Czech Republic will participate could bring new contracts worth up to almost €113 million to the Czech space industry," says Václav Kobera, head of the delegation and director of the Department of New Technologies and Innovations in Transport and the Czech Space Agency.

Within the framework of ESA projects, the Czech Republic will focus in particular on the areas of remote sensing, telecommunications, navigation, space security, launch vehicles, preparation of future scientific space missions, and support for commercialisation and start-ups. These priorities contribute to the implementation of the strategic lines of the National Space Plan 2026–2032, which was approved by the government in October 2025. The plan defines the Czech Republic as an active and internationally recognised player in the field of space activities, capable of fully exploiting the potential of space technologies for the economy, society and security.

"The Czech Republic's participation in new ESA programmes is a clear signal that we want to be an active and reliable partner. Space activities are no longer just a matter of prestige. They are an investment in the economic development of the Czech Republic – in innovation, security and education. The Czech Journey to Space is a journey for the whole of society, because thanks to space technologies the Czech Republic has been becoming more competitive and safer," adds Kobera.

One of the most important tools of the Czech strategy is also the national project Czech Journey to Space, where the main goal is to educate and raise awareness about space activities and inspire the younger generation to study technical fields. The project shall strengthen the base of engineers, professionally skilled managers and other expertise needed for the development of the Czech space industry as well as other industrial sectors and for general better competitiveness of the Czech Republic. The flight of Czech astronaut Aleš Svoboda in cooperation with ESA is the highlight of the Czech Journey to Space.

Václav Kobera said:

The Czech Republic already operates the ESERO education office within the pan-European ESA network, bringing space topics to schools. But now it plans to expand this activity in cooperation with ESA into a comprehensive national education project that will connect all levels of education, offer modern methodologies, and enable students to participate directly in space projects.