Shortly after the Prague Planetarium reopened its doors to the public following two years of reconstruction, visitors were treated to a unique program celebrating the first anniversary of the Czech Journey to Space initiative. On Wednesday, June 18, attendees had the opportunity to try out a flight simulator developed by Vrgineers, Inc., a successful alumni startup of the ESA BIC Czech Republic incubator. The company focuses on the development and production of advanced virtual reality tools and can already proudly claim that their products have been tested by the future Czech astronaut Aleš Svoboda himself.
The public was also introduced to ongoing competitions organized by ESA BIC Czech Republic, aimed at sparking interest in space among young people and fostering their creativity and innovation. Students and young people under the age of 26 can showcase their passion for filmmaking and space in the competition Mise: Film, with the best works earning a spot on the big screen at the Lucerna cinema. For students and aspiring entrepreneurs with a space-inspired business idea, the ESA BIC Liftoff Challenge provides a three-round format with expert mentoring and a chance to win up to CZK 60,000. Registration for both competitions remains open until June 30.
The highlight of the day was the ceremonial launch of two books by Aleš Svoboda, who is currently undergoing intensive training with the European Space Agency in preparation for a promising mission to the ISS, formally supported by the Czech government this May. During the event, young cadets of the March Zero G mission were also officially named ambassadors of the Czech Journey to Space, a project that, in just one year, has successfully raised public awareness of the Czech space ecosystem, of which ESA BIC Czech Republic is a proud and active member. Messages of support and optimism were shared by the Minister of Transport Martin Kupka, the first Czechoslovak cosmonaut Vladimír Remek, and other distinguished guests.
This celebratory event clearly demonstrated that support for space innovation and youth education does not have to remain just a promise on paper. ESA BIC Czech Republic proves that by combining startup spirit, technological know-how, and long-term vision, it is possible not only to inspire the next generation, but also to tangibly build the Czech way to the stars.
