Mission Zero-G: Jana Plodková with the command crew!23/3/2025|Press releasesProject Zero-G's command crew is now complete. The twenty of the most successful young space enthusiasts, who have undergone thorough testing over the past six months demonstrating the real astronaut selection process, will be accompanied on board the parabolic flight by a five-member command crew. The cadets will be commanded by Czech astronaut-in-training Aleš Svoboda and accompanied by the commanders of the individual parts of the aircraft: Yemi A.D., Jan Spratek, Simon Klinga and Jana Plodková, known from the cult series Kosmo. The Zero-G project not only brings the reality of space exploration closer to future generations, but inspires greater involvement of women in the world of science and technology Mission Zero-G, part of the national project Czech journey to space, will start on 30 March. The Novespace Airbus 310, specially modified, will take off from the third terminal of Prague Airport. During the flight that will take approximately three hours it will perform parabolic manoeuvres that will create a state of zero gravity for several minutes on board. The Zero-G flight crew, which will consist of twenty most successful students from all over the Czech Republic, five commanders and several ambassadors representing well-known personalities, will get a taste of what only astronauts experience in orbit. "Experiencing weightlessness is something most people will never get. The Zero-G project, however, opens the door to young talents from all over the Czech Republic. I believe that this experience will not only strengthen their interest in space, but also their desire to participate in technological and scientific progress, which is of strategic importance for our country. Motivation of the new generation is the first step for strengthening the Czech space industry and science," says transport minister Martin Kupka, under whose ministry space activities fall. The five commanders who will guide the young space enthusiasts through this unique experience include the female commander actress Jana Plodková. Her involvement is not only a symbolic reference to the cult series Cosmo, in which she played the role of a captain who did not make on board a space flight. It is also a clear signal that science, space and technology are no longer the male domain. "The opportunity to join the Zero-G project and experience parabolic flight will certainly be an unforgettable experience for me. As an actress, I appreciate that culture and art are part of these projects – creativity, sense of humour and new perspectives are often the key to discovery. And if my flight inspires more women to not be afraid to step out of their comfort zone and try new things, then this "space" journey of mine was worth it," says Zero-G mission commander Jana Plodková. Participation in Project Zero-G is not only about physical preparedness. It is about the ability to handle stress and adapt quickly to unfamiliar situations, just like real astronauts. "Mental resilience, the ability to make right decisions under pressure and teamwork – these are the skills that play a key role not only in space missions but also in various work teams, including scientific ones. Although technical disciplines were more associated with men in the past, it is now clear that diversity in teams brings better results, well-being and more perspectives on problem solving. Promoting women in science and technology is therefore not only a question of equality, but also of the quality of results and the future of these fields. That's why I'm very happy that half of our Zero-G finalists are women," explains psychologist Iva Poláčková Šolcová (CAS), who has long been involved in cosmic psychology and research on groups in isolation and constraints within national and international projects. It explores experience, emotion and motivation in extreme conditions or specific life situations. She also applied her expertise in testing and selection of cadets for the Zero-G mission. The Space Challenge comes now: Finalists will have a final survival camp While the command crew is already complete, the final structure of the Zero-G mission student crew is still undecided. The remaining 26 finalists (out of almost 900 children and students from all over the Czech Republic), who have passed the five difficult selection stages, now face the last challenge – the survival camp. This intensive survival training in challenging conditions will test not only their physical fitness, but also their mental resilience, teamwork and ability to react in stressful situations. Only after this test will it become clear who will eventually be part of the team and experience weightlessness on board the specially modified aircraft. "This flight is not only a dream come true for 20 young talents, but also an important step towards future space missions. Zero-G participants will become ambassadors of the Czech space programme and inspiration for future generations who can push the boundaries of Czech science and technology," concludes transport minister Martin Kupka.