CZECH
SPACEFLIGHT
Vladimír Remek - First Czechoslovak Astronaut
In 1978, Czechoslovakia reached a significant milestone when Vladimír Remek, a fighter pilot, became the first non-Soviet and non-American astronaut to fly to space aboard Soyuz 28. The mission was not only important for its scientific achievements but also held symbolic significance during the Cold War, highlighting the capabilities and collaborative spirit of the socialist bloc.
The mission included several pioneering scientific objectives developed by Czechoslovak scientists in collaboration with Soviet and Polish counterparts. Key experiments focused on:
- Studying chlorella algae reproduction in microgravity for air and water recycling.
- Conducting crystal growth experiments with the Splav furnace.
- Measuring oxygen supply changes in the body using a Czechoslovak oxymeter.
- Assessing psychological and medical conditions in confined spaces.
- Analyzing heat emission variations in microgravity.
- Observing changes in star brightness and color near the horizon with a Czechoslovak photometer.
Joining the European Space Agency
The Czech Republic joined the European Space Agency (ESA) in 2008. In 2022, out of 22,500 applicants, 17 individuals were selected for ESA’s fourth astronaut class. Five became astronaut candidates, while 12 were placed in the reserve pool for potential future projects. Aleš Svoboda from Czechia was among the reserve astronauts.
Joining the European Space Agency
The Czech Republic joined the European Space Agency (ESA) in 2008. In 2022, out of 22,500 applicants, 17 individuals were selected for ESA’s fourth astronaut class. Five became astronaut candidates, while 12 were placed in the reserve pool for potential future projects. Aleš Svoboda from Czechia was among the reserve astronauts.