International Day of Human Space Flight: space technology is one of BUT’s strategic areas

International Day of Human Space Flight celebrates the beginning of the space era for humanity and commemorates the achievements of experts in this field. Since the first space flight, knowledge of the space world has increased many times over, yet scientists continue to search for new information about space. And this also applies to scientists from Brno University of Technology.

International Day of Human Space Flight has been celebrated worldwide since 2011. It was held on 12 April to commemorate the first manned flight into space by Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin in 1961. Aboard the Vostok 1 spacecraft, he managed to orbit the Earth in less than two hours.

Over the past six decades, hundreds of cosmonauts and astronauts have gone into space, humans have learned to live there for the long term, and thousands of artificial satellites have filled the space around the Earth to explore the cosmos.

Brno as a centre of the space industry

In the Czech Republic, Brno is the centre of the space industry, home to a number of companies and research teams working in this field. Experts from Brno University of Technology are also involved in several space missions and projects. One of them is the HERA planetary defence science mission, which will launch into space this year. Its goal is to deflect the orbit of an asteroid, which will help find an effective technique to defend Earth from a potential collision with an asteroid.

BUT students also benefit from the concentration of the space industry in Brno. For example, companies operating in the Technology Park Brno offer them a number of interesting opportunities to get involved in real space projects during their internships.

YSpace university association

The YSpace university team is building the first Czech student satellite to study cells in space. The association was founded as an initiative of five students of the Master's programme Space Applications at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Communication Technologies of BUT. "We are facing challenges from the initial stages of conception and design, through production and testing to the moment of final launch and operation. Our students are always at the forefront of the projects, gaining practical real-world experience that goes far beyond the typical academic environment," say the members of the society.

The Brno-based society is collaborating with Mendel University on the CIMER bio-mission, which aims to explore the potential benefits of growing biological substances in space. As part of the space mission, the young scientists will test a prototype micro-container that could be used in the future for long-term storage of microalgae and bacteria colonies on board satellites.

The YSpace team connects learners with companies in the field, promotes engineering in South Moravia, and builds a community with a shared fascination with the space world.

BUT and space

Space technology is one of the strategic areas that BUT focuses on in the long term. Students at Brno University of Technology can choose from several study programmes oriented towards space and the space industry.

• Space Applications (FEEC) - The Master's programme combines electronics, mechanical engineering and physics. It provides students with knowledge of satellite subsystems as well as satellite control and construction. It therefore offers an ideal starting point for the development of future space careers.
• Aerospace Engineering (FME) - The Master's programme offers a specialisation in Aircraft Design or Airtransport and Airport Technology. Students take courses in aerodynamics and flight mechanics, aircraft design and aerospace materials.
• Aerospace technology (FME) - Master's program dealing with aerodynamics and flight mechanics and aircraft design. Students learn about aerospace research, drones, and aircraft certification processes.
• Professional Pilot (FME) - This undergraduate program offers complete theoretical instruction for the transport pilot level. In addition, learners will undergo practical training and upon passing all exams, graduates will become holders of a commercial pilot license.

Brno University of Technology is one of the leading European universities providing prestigious higher technical education in the field of aerospace technology. Thanks to the quality of their education, the experts from Brno University of Technology use their knowledge of space to develop new technologies, move the world forward and prepare society for the future.


BUT is also promoting the field of space technology as part of this year's 125th anniversary of the university.

Author: Lenka Hubáčková