The grand final of the Zero-G Space Journey: Promising Czech cadets had a time of their life during 31/3/2025|Press releases30 March, Prague – A group of twenty-six most talented young space enthusiasts from across the Czech Republic finally embarked on their "space" journey after a hard six-month selection process. On 30 March, at the third terminal of Václav Havel Airport Prague, months of preparation for the Zero-G mission, one of the activities of the national programme Czech Journey to Space, turned into a real experience for young Czech cadets. They finally experienced during the weightless flight what only astronauts experience in orbit. This unique parabolic flight, the first of its kind with a Czech student crew, stands not only for the determination and curiosity of the young generation, but also the growing ambitions of the Czech Republic in the field of space research and technology. Sunday's Zero-G day was packed from the early morning hours. The Zero-G flight crew first underwent a safety check, a medical examination and a briefing from Novespace, the company providing the flight. Then came the highlight of the whole project: a moment for which the young participants in the mission had been carefully preparing for several months. A specially modified A310 aircraft and its crew were heading for a unique experience. Theytook off from Prague Airport's Terminal 3 at 11 a.m. with the support of family members, friends and political representatives. As soon as the aircraft reached the required altitude, it initiated a series of parabolic manoeuvres during which the crew found themselves in microgravity for several tens of seconds each time. "This day will be remembered as an unforgettable milestone and a once-in-a-lifetime experience for young Czech talents. I believe that the Zero-G mission experience will strengthen their passion for science, technology and the natural sciences and become a springboard for their future careers. This project also clearly demonstrates how important it is for the Czech Republic to actively participate in space activities," says transport minister Martin Kupka, under whose ministry space activities fall. Parabolic flights – the gateway to space: The Czech cadets have undergone similar training to that of future astronauts Zero-G flights like this one are a unique opportunity to experience conditions that otherwise only exist in orbit. They allow astronauts, scientists and students to test experiments and move around in weightlessness without leaving the Earth's atmosphere. The cadets were escorted aboard the aircraft by Major Aleš Svoboda, who will hopefully soon have a real trip to space: to the International Space Station. "Parabolic flights are an integral part of astronauts' training – they allow them to learn to move in microgravity and adapt to the conditions that await them in orbit. Like us in astronaut training, the students went through a rigorous selection process to take part in this unique experience. Seeing them in zero gravity trying to control their movements and apply what they learned in training was both fascinating and fun," says Aleš Svoboda, Czech astronaut-in-training and Zero-G mission commander. The cooperation with Václav Havel Airport Prague, which made the event possible, also played a key role in the mission's success. "We are delighted to have the opportunity to host this unique project and provide the facilities for the first ever weightless flight with Czech students! For Václav Havel Airport Prague, supporting such an important event is a matter of prestige and social responsibility, which is an inseparable part of the strategic transport infrastructure of the state. We believe that such projects inspire the young generation to explore space and also strengthen the Czech Republic's position in space research and new technologies," says Jiří Pos, Chairman of the Board of Prague Airport. And the Zero-G mission is just the beginning! Cadets will become ambassadors of the Czech space programme The young enthusiasts who have experienced weightlessness today are now becoming key figures to inspire their peers. The personal experience of the challenging selection process and the parabolic flight gives young space ambassadors a unique opportunity to authentically share their impressions and motivate the next generation to become interested in science and engineering. "This journey of our space cadets is living proof that young people in the Czech Republic can also be actively involved in space activities. We plan to continue to open the door to young talented people to explore the universe and push the boundaries of our knowledge with similar projects," concludes Václav Kobera, coordinator of the national project Czech Journey to Space. But the Zero-G mission is just one of the steps the Czech Republic is taking as part of its journey into space. While Aleš Svoboda continues his astronaut training with the European Space Agency's astronaut reserve team, young people from all over the Czech Republic can look forward to new space projects and challenges. This day for example marks the start of a unique Film competition: Film Mission, which will offer interested parties another opportunity to creatively express their interest in space. The Czech Republic continues to support young talents and creates a platform for their development in space research and technology.