Space

The space industry is the industry of the future. Space activities bring together and combine different areas of industry, science and research to achieve the maximum possible parameters in all areas of our knowledge. Space activities are the engine of innovation and provide the comprehensive skills of our companies, institutions and universities in the development and production segments. The complexity of product assignments supports the development of fields such as electronics, computer technology, optics, artificial intelligence, cyber security and all other areas of the economy and society.

In addition to traditional areas of space and space transport, space technologies can, for example, address environmental monitoring, contribute to intelligent transport, ensure general security etc. Space activities have a relatively long tradition in the Czech Republic, especially in the past 20 years, we have seen tremendous progress. In 2002, roughly four companies were engaged in space activities, whereas in 2022 there are 100 companies and institutions that are active in space-related areas in the Czech Republic.

The space industry has high value added and can bring great benefits to our country in terms of security, self-sufficiency and sustainability, while also providing and advantage in global markets. This is the basis of the third six-year National Space Plan (2020-2025) approved by the government for the development of the capacities and capabilities of industry and academia in the field of space activities. The aim of this plan is to ensure competitiveness and maximise the return on public investment in space activities and related areas.

In order to accelerate the development of national space activities and especially industry, it is necessary to take full advantage of our 14-year membership in the European Space Agency (ESA) and the fact that the European Satellite Navigation Agency (GSA) has been based in Prague since 2012. In 2021, it was transformed into the EU Space Programme Agency (EUSPA). Also other international companies dealing with satellite navigation (e.g. OHB, manufacturer of Galileo satellites) are setting up operations here.

ESA and international cooperation programmes give our companies and institutions access to the latest technologies and the opportunity to gain experience in international cooperation for subsequent business use.

Space activities will significantly contribute to the Czech Republic’s long-term goal and vision of having a knowledge-based economy, which is one of the key areas that, thanks to its broad application across various industries and sectors, can counteract all of the negative trends that pose a threat to the competitiveness of our industry, particularly the risk that the products produced here will not have sufficiently high value added.