SpaceBuzz launches immersive education programme in the Czech Republic

Originally published on 30 March 2026 on Czech Space Portal.

A Year After the Zero-G Flight: A Mobile ‘Spaceship’ to Tour the Regions and Inspire the Next Generation

The national project Czech Journey to Space is entering its next phase. Building on the activities of young space ambassadors from the Zero-G programme, it now introduces the educational initiative SpaceBuzz, which will bring space and modern technologies closer to thousands of children across the Czech Republic.

“Today, space activities fall under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, and we see them as an essential part of the modern economy and the future competitiveness of the Czech Republic. Projects such as Zero-G and SpaceBuzz help spark young people’s interest in technical and scientific fields and show that the path to space can begin right here in the Czech Republic,” says First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industry and Trade, Karel Havlíček.

From Zero-G to national impact

A year ago, 26 cadets experienced a Zero-G parabolic flight, allowing them to feel weightlessness first-hand. The programme received a total of 861 applications. Since April 2025, the ambassadors have taken part in 144 educational and outreach activities, reaching more than 190,000 people. For many of them, the experience has influenced their decision to pursue studies and careers in science and technology.

“The Zero-G mission has meant, above all, being part of an inspiring group of people who push me forward. It has helped me step out of my comfort zone and challenge myself. Thanks to this experience, I’ve been able to develop my interest in astronomy and science communication on a much higher level. It’s a community of people I can learn so much from—professionals I truly admire because they believe in us and give us many opportunities to grow,” says sixteen-year-old ambassador Stela Šaršonová.

Introducing SpaceBuzz: from experience to scale

Through virtual reality, SpaceBuzz allows participants to experience the “Overview Effect” first-hand and understand just how fragile and unique our planet truly is.

The project forms part of the Czech Republic’s broader efforts in the space industry and education, including preparations for a national mission to the International Space Station (ISS).

“Space is no longer a niche topic—it is part of the modern economy and a driver of technological innovation. We want the upcoming Czech mission to the ISS to be more than a one-off event; it should serve as a catalyst that engages society as a whole,” says Václav Kobera, Director of the Department of New Technologies and the Czech Space Agency at the Ministry of Industry and Trade, and coordinator of the Czech Journey to Space.

“The Zero-G mission has shown how a single experience can profoundly influence a young person’s direction. These young space ambassadors are now closer to science and technology and inspire those around them. It’s not just about the 26 students, but everyone they are able to reach. That is the true value of these activities—they bring a new generation into fields that are crucial for the future of the Czech Republic,” adds Jan Spratek, co-organiser of the Zero-G mission and coordinator of the ESA Education Office (ESERO) for the Czech Republic.

Taking SpaceBuzz on the road

Building on the ambassadors’ experience, the SpaceBuzz programme will now take the next step. From 18 May, an 18-metre-long mobile “rocket” will travel across four regions of the Czech Republic. Using virtual reality, it will offer a journey into space, a view of Earth from orbit, and even a flight to the Moon.

“Thanks to the flight of Vladimír Remek, I became interested in space at a young age. It was one of the moments that ultimately led me to where I am today. It showed us that even from our country, it is possible to reach the stars. Experiences like this can truly shape young people’s futures, and SpaceBuzz has the potential to inspire today’s children to find their own path and aim high,” says Jiří Dušek, Director of the Brno Observatory and Planetarium, where the roadshow will begin.

about SpaceBuzz

SpaceBuzz fosters a lasting sense of responsibility for our planet by allowing both children and adults to experience Earth from a completely new perspective. By simulating the Overview Effect, the shift in awareness reported by astronauts, participants begin to see our world not as separate countries, but as one interconnected, fragile system that deserves care and attention.

Developed in the Netherlands at the initiative of ESA astronaut André Kuipers, SpaceBuzz combines an immersive VR journey with a structured educational programme in science, technology and sustainability. But what sets it apart is not just the technology, it is the way experience and education are brought together to create real impact.

By travelling directly into regions with its mobile rocket, SpaceBuzz removes barriers to access and ensures that this perspective is not limited to a select few. Instead, it becomes something every child can experience, regardless of background or location, turning inspiration into curiosity, and curiosity into action.