Aleš 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.
By the end 2025, up to 400 000 driving licences will expire after ten years. Three months before the expiry of the licence, it is possible to request a new one via the Transport Portal and pick it up at one of the 10 000 delivery boxes and locations of Balíkovna. You no longer need to go to the office to exchange your licence.
Starting today, the new Road Transport Inspection (INSID) will start checking compliance with the rules for freight and bus transport on Czech roads. The inspection was created by transforming the existing Road Transport Services Centre.
The European Commission has approved changes to the CO₂ limits that will give carmakers more time to meet their emissions targets. Transport minister Martin Kupka considers this a success for the Czech Republic within the coalition of like-minded countries. Together, we have succeeded in changing the conditions, so that they are not devastating for Europe. You will remember that the Czech Republic has been pointing out the need for this change since last autumn.
The government of the Czech Republic has supported the participation of the first Czech astronaut on a mission to the International Space Station (ISS). The cabinet perceives major Aleš Svoboda's mission as an extraordinary event with a societal impact and also as a big stimulus for the development of the Czech space industry, science and education. Sending an astronaut is an opportunity to support the transformation of the Czech economy towards innovation and high value-added products, to increase the competitiveness of Czech businesses and to inspire a new generation to study science and engineering.
In cooperation with other ministries, the Ministry of Transport has selected 14 experiments for the ISS to be controlled by Czech astronaut Aleš Svoboda. They range from physiology to demonstrators of new technologies and include activities for the general public as well. Although the experiments are mostly related to basic research, they will bring benefits for space and terrestrial applications. Some of them should reach the ISS before the Czech astronaut Aleš Svoboda starts his mission at the end of 2027 and others will fly on board with him.