The public can design objects for a mission to the International Space Station. It will be possible to submit proposals using the form on the Czech Journey to Space website https://ceskacestadovesmiru.cz/co-vzit-na-iss/ from August 19 to September 18, 2026.
What should represent the Czech Republic hundreds of kilometers above the Earth? An object reminiscent of Czech history, a scientific discovery, a cultural tradition, a sporting success or something completely different? The Czech Journey to Space national project is opening a public call in which people can design objects that Czech astronaut and project astronaut of the European Space Agency (ESA) Aleš Svoboda could take with him to the International Space Station (ISS) next year. The public thus gets the opportunity to become part of the preparations for the Czech mission, which is scheduled to start next year.
After all, not only scientific experiments and technology fly into space with astronauts. Space missions are traditionally also accompanied by small objects that tell the stories of countries, institutions and the astronauts themselves. In the past, all kinds of symbols got into orbit – from national flags and medals to sports, cultural or personal objects. Swedish astronaut Christer Fuglesang took a traditional Dalecarlian horse into orbit, American astronaut Cady Coleman took four flutes to the ISS, astronaut Mark Polansky took a teddy bear into space reminiscent of the story of a Holocaust survivor. Krteček, who American astronaut Andrew Feustel took with him on his mission, also left a Czech footprint in space. Sometimes it is a national symbol, other times a piece of history, culture or a seemingly ordinary thing with a strong story. Now the Czech Republic will also have the opportunity to search for similar objects.
The Ministry of Industry and Trade, which coordinates the national project Czech Journey to Space, perceives symbolic objects as another dimension of the mission, which, in addition to scientific experiments and technological projects, will also enable Czech history, culture and values to be transferred into orbit.
“The Czech mission to the ISS will show that we have top companies, universities and research teams that can withstand even the most demanding international projects. But we don’t want it to be just a mission of scientists and technicians. We want to involve the whole country in it. That’s why we’re giving the public the opportunity to choose a Czech story or symbol that will fly with Aleš Svoboda. Even a small object can carry a strong message about what the Czech Republic can do and what we can be proud of,” says the 1st Vice President government and Minister of Industry and Trade Karel Havlíček.
The Ministry of Defense and the Army of the Czech Republic fully support the Czech mission. Aleš Svoboda is a graduate of the Defense University and an experienced combat pilot who, if approved by the Multilateral Crew Operations Panel (MCOP), whose decisions are taken by consensus of all five partners of the International Space Station, will prepare for the mission as a pilot. At the same time, his career path points to wide possibilities of professional application in the field of aviation, modern technologies and other specializations.
“I am pleased that it is Aleš Svoboda who, as part of the Czech mission, should also transport symbolic objects selected with the public’s contribution to the ISS. His expected position in the crew is also a confirmation of the high level that we have been building in the field of military aviation for a long time. Managing complex systems, managing crisis scenarios or making decisions under extreme pressure are skills that Aleš acquired and developed during his professional career. His journey thus shows not only the attractiveness and prestige of military professions, but also extraordinary possibilities that we can offer. I believe that this story can inspire young people who are thinking about their studies and future career paths,” says Minister of Defense Jaromír Zůna.
What would you send to the ISS?
It will be possible to submit proposals using the form on the Czech Journey to Space website https://ceskacestadovesmiru.cz/co-vzit-na-iss/ from August 19 to September 18, 2026. It can be an object connected with Czech history, a reminder of a scientific or technological achievement, a cultural symbol, a sporting legacy, a craft tradition or perhaps something that describes the current Czech Republic and of which we can be proud as a country. It does not have to be a rare or expensive item. More important is his story – and what he can tell people at home and around the world about the Czech Republic.
Of course, whether the object can be safely transported to the ISS will also play a role in the assessment. Therefore, a small and light object that is visually interesting, has an understandable story and can work well in a photo or video is ideal. It will also be an advantage to be able to use it after returning to Earth for educational events, in schools, museums or on other occasions connected with the Czech mission.
From idea to orbit
The Public Challenge is not a competition for one winning item. It is an opportunity to collect ideas from the public, or to find a unique object that could represent the Czech Republic and its story during the mission to the ISS.
Proposals from the public will be assessed by an expert team in collaboration with ESA, taking into account their story, symbolism, feasibility and the rules applicable to objects transported to the ISS. The space on board and the weight of individual items are limited, so each item must pass a technical and safety assessment. Sending a proposal does not automatically mean that the given object will fly into space.
“The mole showed that even a small and seemingly ordinary object can tell a powerful Czech story in space. This time we want to give space to people from all over the country to say for themselves what they think is worth taking with them. It can be something connected to history, science, culture or even everyday life. It is important that such an object can tell something about the Czech Republic and people beyond its borders,” explains Václav Kobera, coordinator of the national project Czech Way to space.
The objects planned for the Czech mission will be presented to the public in November 2026 during the festival of space activities Czech Space Week 2026.
On the way to the Czech mission to the ISS
The public call comes at a time when preparations for the Czech mission to the ISS are moving towards concrete steps before the flight itself. Aleš Svoboda has completed basic astronaut training at the European Space Agency (ESA) and is preparing for subsequent specific training related to the Czech mission.
Simultaneously, the preparations of thirteen Czech scientific and technological experiments, which are to be part of the mission program, continue. It is the connection of science, technology, Czech industry, education and public involvement that should be one of the main links of the upcoming Czech journey to the ISS.