VEGA and frog astronauts: Success of space technologies from Brno

In November 2023, the Czech Republic celebrated the 15th anniversary of its membership in the European Space Agency (ESA). This membership enables Czech research organizations and businesses to participate in the agency’s scientific missions. The fact that the Czech Republic has made significant progress and is gaining prominence in the global space community is demonstrated by the involvement of Czech entities in space missions, with some even taking the lead.

S.A.B. Aerospace Sends Ideas to Space

The largest company in the Czech space industry is S.A.B. Aerospace, a subsidiary of the Italian company of the same name. It designs, develops, and integrates systems and components for the European Space Agency. It is also one of the founding companies of the Brno Space Cluster, which brings together companies and institutions active in the commercial space market.

Have you heard about the VEGA rocket? This European light launch vehicle carried Czech technology into space for the first time in history in 2020. It was a launcher from S.A.B. Aerospace that sent 53 small satellites into space. The company also created a special mini-laboratory that sent frog eggs into space in the summer of 2023. Because frogs have an immune system similar to humans, these eggs help scientists understand how microgravity could affect the immunity of astronauts. But the frog astronauts must not experience any discomfort during their journey or stay on the space station! This marked the first time a Czech company was involved in space experiments on the International Space Station. 
 

Other projects include the two-ton PLATO probe, the ROSE-L satellite, and the SLAVIA mission, whose industrial part is even led by a Brno-based company. As part of this unique mission, two microsatellites equipped with special cameras using spectrometry principles will analyze the composition of interplanetary matter in Earth’s orbit and fragments entering our atmosphere. This will help us uncover the potential for asteroid mining.

The ROSE-L satellite, as part of the Copernicus program, will monitor geohazards (like earthquakes and volcanic activity), measure soil moisture, and map forest cover. In 2026, the two-ton PLATO probe, equipped with 26 cameras, will set out to explore planets beyond our solar system. 

TRL Space: Ensuring safety in orbit

The first company from Central and Eastern Europe to lead an international mission under ESA is TRL Space. As part of the LUGO mission, which is set to launch in 2030, the namesake probe will study the composition of unique volcanic formations on the Moon's surface (Irregular Mare Patches). The mission will help answer questions about the age of these volcanic structures. 
 

In 2024, TRL Space will launch the largest Czech commercial satellite since the establishment of the independent republic. The TROLL satellite will map satellites in low Earth orbit, where there are already over 5,000. The goal is to reduce collisions between satellites and the formation of space debris. This will be achieved through an AI-based trajectory calculation technology developed by the Brno company Zaitra. Additionally, TROLL will carry technologies from other companies and institutions that need to test their products in space.

OHB Czechspace: The largest Czech satellite in history

A diligent player in the Czech space market is the Brno-based company OHB Czechspace. It supplies structures for space probes, satellite adapters, and other ground support equipment, aiming for unprecedented success. Their SOVA satellite aims to be the largest Czech satellite in history, with the goal of refining climate models of the Earth. This will improve weather predictions, including extreme events like torrential rains or tornadoes. 
 

OHB Czechspace plays the role of the primary contractor and is responsible for the entire mission—from building the satellite, through testing, launch, ensuring communication with Earth, to data processing and analysis. This achievement grants the company the title of "mission prime," a distinction no other Czech space company has yet achieved; even in Europe, such companies are rare. Usually, companies provide only the satellite or its components, with ESA leading the mission.

Another highlight is their participation in the HERA mission, a joint mission between NASA and ESA, aimed at deflecting asteroids if they pose a threat to Earth. The same mission also involves the company Startech from Rosice near Brno, specializing in precision CNC machining, supplying mechanical components. 

OteSpace: The Czech sparrow in space

Groundcom: Telecom operator for space missions

Communication with a satellite is only possible through antennas on Earth. Building these is costly, and they allow communication with the satellite only for limited periods. That’s why Groundcom is creating a network of ground stations that offer communication as a service to space mission operators, providing a platform where you can rent a communication station anywhere in the world.

Processing satellite data

To make use of the enormous number of satellites in orbit, the data they collect must be processed effectively. And here, the Czechs excel. Companies like World from Space, CleverFarm, and Betrian are prime examples.

The first two mainly use data for efficient agricultural management. Satellite data allows farmers to monitor yields and the current state of vegetation or soil moisture, helping them to plan the application of fertilizers, water, or seeds more efficiently. Betrian, on the other hand, enhances transportation safety by pinpointing train locations with decimeter accuracy. 

The Czech Aerospace Research Centre

Among Czech public institutions, the Czech Aerospace Research Centre leads the way to space, focusing on research, development, and testing not only in aviation but also in space technology. The institute is behind the creation of its second satellite, which captures high-resolution images from orbit. The VZLUSAT-2 satellite builds on its predecessor, VZLUSAT-1, which became the longest-operating Czech satellite. Another Czech satellite, developed by a consortium led by the Czech Aerospace Research Centre (including companies like S.A.B. Aerospace and World from Space), will monitor emergencies, disasters, infrastructure, illegal constructions, and landfills.
 

In 2028, the Czech Aerospace Research Centre plans to send the first Czech space telescope, QUVIK, into space to observe the universe in the ultraviolet spectrum, focusing on transient phenomena caused by collisions of neutron stars or black holes. 

Frentech Aerospace searches for life in space

Is there other life in space? The JUICE probe aims to find the answer. In 2023, it set out to explore three ice-covered moons of Jupiter, where it will search for conditions suitable for life. Frentech Aerospace is one of three Czech companies that supplied components for the probe. Their fuel valves are also found in VEGA launch vehicles. 

Student satellite from Brno

Scientists from Mendel University and the YSpace student team from the Brno University of Technology (VUT) are aiming to study cells in space through the CIMER mission. Their goal is to send the first Czech student satellite into orbit. The potential of the CIMER mission was also recognized by the European Space Agency (ESA) during the ESA Academy Concurrent Engineering workshop, where the Yspace student team had the opportunity to present their proposal. The five-day workshop provided training to Brno students in the field of Space Applications, equipping them with valuable experience and knowledge that they can now apply in the next phases of the mission. In addition to offering guidance, the workshop also focused on how students should proceed when applying for the ESA Fly Your Satellite project, which supports students with mentoring and technical assistance in satellite construction.

G. L. Electronic: Coffee for astronauts

Does your love for coffee hold you back from becoming an astronaut? Rest assured; this is no longer a problem. G. L. Electronic helped develop a coffee machine for space use, ensuring astronauts don’t have to miss out on quality coffee. The company also supplies cable harnesses for various European space probes and will be involved in cleaning up space debris.