en.Wedoany.com Reported - Vast is collaborating with the European Space Agency (ESA) to send an astronaut to the International Space Station on behalf of the Czech Republic. This partnership is based on a Memorandum of Understanding signed between Vast and the Czech Republic in 2024.
Following review and approval by the Multilateral Crew Operations Panel (MCOP), Aleš Svoboda, one of the 12 reserve astronauts selected by ESA in November 2022, will serve as the pilot for this mission. The MCOP's decision was reached by consensus among representatives of all five space station partners—NASA, ESA, Roscosmos, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA). Pending final approval, Aleš Svoboda will become the first Czech astronaut to visit the International Space Station. Svoboda is scheduled to fly alongside ESA astronaut Thomas Pesquet, who has been appointed as the mission commander.
Karel Havlíček, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic, stated that this mission is a significant milestone for the Czech Republic and a strategic investment in technological capabilities, science, industry, and education. He noted that space technologies already impact high-value-added sectors such as telecommunications, cybersecurity, and manufacturing, and expressed hope that this mission will strengthen the country's industrial and technological base, support companies and research institutions in participating in top-tier international projects, and inspire a new generation of engineers and innovators. The mission is planned for 2027, with transportation provided by SpaceX using a Dragon spacecraft launched on a Falcon 9 rocket.
Czech Defense Minister Jaromír Zuna stated that this mission confirms the Czech Republic possesses the expertise, talent, and determination to contribute to advanced international projects. The participation of a Czech pilot and ESA reserve astronaut reflects the country's high level of readiness and professional excellence. He noted that the Czech Republic has long invested in innovation, technology, and human potential, and this mission demonstrates that Czech capabilities can succeed at the highest levels of space exploration and technological advancement.
ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher said that this agreement demonstrates how ESA enables its member states to participate in human spaceflight through a new generation of commercial partnerships, and thanked NASA for its efforts in facilitating this commercial activity. Daniel Neuenschwander, ESA Director of Human and Robotic Exploration, stated that this is the third time ESA has supported a member state's exploration activities through commercial space access, and that ESA is working closely with the Czech Republic to provide decades of accumulated expertise in human spaceflight.
Vast CEO Max Haot stated that the company is proud to expand its partnership with the Czech Republic and support this International Space Station mission conducted jointly with ESA. He expressed anticipation for close collaboration with ESA, NASA, and the Czech Ministry of Industry and Trade to complete this mission.
Václav Kobera, Director of the New Technologies and Czech Space Office at the Czech Ministry of Industry and Trade and Head of the Czech Delegation to ESA, stated that this mission showcases the strong, long-term partnership between the Czech Republic and ESA. Thanks to ESA's expertise and international cooperation framework, Czech research institutions, universities, and companies will gain valuable experience and new opportunities to participate in advanced space activities. This initiative is a significant step for the Czech Republic in engaging with the new era of commercial space exploration, demonstrating a framework of cooperation between government, academia, and industry. With ESA's support, the Czech Republic will benefit from Vast's commercial spaceflight program. In early June, Vast announced its commitment to establishing its European headquarters in Paris, France. These milestones highlight Vast's dedication to fostering global access to microgravity research and opening new pathways for emerging space powers to participate in the economic and scientific development of low Earth orbit and beyond.
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