Vast, the company developing next-generation space stations and space infrastructure, is partnering with the European Space Agency (ESA), on behalf of the Czech Republic, to send an astronaut to the International Space Station. This agreement builds on the memorandum of understanding that Vast, and the Czech Republic signed in 2024.

Subject to Multilateral Crew Operations Panel (MCOP) review and approval, Aleš Svoboda, one of the 12 members of the astronaut reserve selected by ESA in November 2022, will serve as the mission pilot. The MCOP's decisions are reached through a consensus among representatives from all five space station partners: NASA, ESA, Roscosmos, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, and the Canadian Space Agency. Pending approval, Aleš Svoboda will become the first Czech astronaut to visit the International Space Station. Svoboda is planned to join ESA Astronaut Thomas Pesquet who is the named Commander for the mission.

“This mission is an important milestone for the Czech Republic and a strategic investment into our future technological capabilities, science, industry, and education. Space technologies already influence many sectors with high added value, from telecommunications and cybersecurity to manufacturing. Through this mission, we want to strengthen the Czech Republic’s industrial and technological base, support the involvement of Czech companies and research institutions in top international projects, and inspire a new generation of engineers, scientists, and innovators,” said Karel Havlícek, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic. The mission is planned for 2027, with transportation provided by SpaceX on a Dragon spacecraft launched aboard a Falcon 9 rocket.

“This mission confirms that the Czech Republic has the expertise, talent, and determination to contribute to the most advanced international projects of our time. The participation of a Czech pilot and ESA reserve astronaut reflects the high level of Czech readiness and professional excellence. The Czech Republic has long invested in innovation, technology, and human potential, and this mission demonstrates that Czech capabilities can succeed at the highest level of space exploration and technological progress. We see this not only as an investment in one mission, but in the future of our country,” said Jaromír Zuna, Minister of Defence of the Czech Republic.

“This agreement demonstrates how ESA is enabling its Member States to participate in human spaceflight through a new generation of commercial partnerships,” said Josef Aschbacher, ESA’s Director General. “We thank NASA for its effort in facilitating this commercial activity. It supports the Czech Republic’s ambitions while reinforcing Europe’s broader objectives in exploration, innovation, and long-term capability development.” “For the third time, ESA is supporting its Member States with exploration through commercial access to space,” said Daniel Neuenschwander, ESA’s Director for Human and Robotic Exploration. 

“ESA is working closely with the Czech Republic to provide them with our decades of expertise in the field of human spaceflight. This new mission will help drive forward technological advancements, supporting the development of technological and scientific expertise in the country.” “We are proud to expand our partnership with the Czech Republic and support this mission to the International Space Station implemented together with the European Space Agency,” said Max Haot, CEO of Vast. “The Czech Republic has demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing its role in the global space economy, and we look forward to working closely with ESA, NASA, and the Czech Ministry of Industry and Trade on this historic mission.”

“This mission demonstrates the strong and long-term partnership between the Czech Republic and the European Space Agency. 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. The mission is also an important step in strengthening the Czech Republic’s position within the European space ecosystem,” said Václav Kobera, Director of the New Technologies and Czech Space Agency at the Czech Ministry of Industry and Trade and Head of Delegation of the Czech Republic to ESA.

This initiative is an important step forward for the Czech Republic’s engagement in the new era of commercial space exploration. It demonstrates the framework for collaboration across government, academia, and industry. With the support and expertise of ESA, the Czech Republic will benefit from Vast’s commercial spaceflight initiatives. In early June, Vast announced its commitment to establish its European headquarters in Paris, France. These collective milestones underscore Vast’s commitment to fostering global access to microgravity research, and creating new pathways for emerging space leadership to participate in economic and scientific development in low-Earth orbit and beyond.

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