30 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.
The participation of a Czech astronaut on a mission to the International Space Station (ISS) is strongly supported by the Czech public. According to the latest Ipsos opinion poll commissioned by the Ministry of Transport, almost 70% of respondents believe it is important for the Czech Republic to actively support space missions and send its own astronaut into space. A similar number of Czechs also believe that this mission could inspire young people to study engineering and science. More than a thousand respondents answered.
Správa železnic kick-started the modernisation of one of the busiest transport hubs in the country. Both the tracks used by passenger trains and the freight area will both undergo a complete reconstruction in Česká Třebová. All platforms will be completely reconstructed and access to them will be barrier-free. The city will be better connected by a new footbridge over the rail line. The upgrades should be completed by the end of 2031.