First Czech satellite designed and built by students is heading into space

KOSTKA, the first Czech satellite designed and built entirely by students, will soon be launched into Earth’s orbit. The project by the YSpace student team from the Brno University of Technology symbolically concluded the public phase of its multi-year journey today with a ceremonial presentation at the Brno Observatory and Planetarium. The satellite now faces its final step–launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, scheduled for early July of this year. Astronaut Aleš Svoboda also supported the event with a remote greeting.

A ceremonial unveiling of the KOSTKA satellite at the Brno Observatory and Planetarium. | Author: Josef Vyškovský

KOSTKA was developed over several years under the leadership of the YSpace student team. From the initial designs through construction and integration to testing, it was designed and assembled by BUT students. The mission will test, under real-world conditions in orbit, its own control computer, an experimental antenna, and a radio receiver module designed to measure radio interference and test low-cost data transmission capabilities.

“When we managed to secure a launch slot in the summer of 2025, we knew that the most challenging part of the project lay ahead of us. We had to meet a number of technical and administrative requirements, submit extensive documentation, and demonstrate that the satellite was ready for launch. The fact that we are now just a step away from launch is the result of several years of work by the entire team,” said YSpace team leader Šimon Sloboda .

The ceremonial presentation was attended by representatives from Brno University of Technology (BUT), the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports, and companies operating in the space industry. The program included a symbolic unveiling of the satellite model, a presentation of the individual subsystems, and the story of the team behind the project.

The YSpace team with the KOSTKA satellite in the cleanroom where it was assembled. | Author: Martin Šebek

“I am very pleased with today’s event, which marks the culmination of long-term efforts in the development and preparation of the KOSTKA mission. The YSpace team is one of the flagship creative initiatives at our university. Through this initiative, our students are participating in entirely real research projects. I am pleased that space technologies, as a strategic area for BUT, are an integral part of the work not only of our academics and researchers but also of our students’ creative activities,” said BUT Rector Ladislav Janíček, adding:

“Space and space research have been, are, and will undoubtedly continue to be a great source of inspiration—details of Czech astronaut Aleš Svoboda’s flight were recently announced. During his space mission, he will conduct one of the research experiments coordinated by BUT while in Earth orbit. The university will provide more information about the BrnoSAT project shortly. For the next generation of students, these activities serve as a significant motivation for choosing their professional focus, including in the field of aerospace engineering, which we currently offer at BUT in two degree programs. Today’s Flyout showcased the outstanding results of our students’ space activities and is a proof of their abilities and skills,” commented BUT Rector Ladislav Janíček on the event.

According to Rector Ladislav Janíček, the KOSTKA satellite’s flyout is excellent proof of the skills and expertise of BUT students. | Author: Josef Vyškovský

According to its creators, the project represents more than just a technical demonstration. It enabled students to gain experience in developing space technologies according to standards used in the European space industry and to build on European Space Agency (ESA) programs in which team members have long been involved.

“The KOSTKA satellite is proof that the Czech journey into space begins with the courage and creativity of our students. This first successful CubeSat, designed and built by young talents from BUT, is a new milestone for our science. It shows that when academic expertise is combined with enthusiasm and teamwork, we can achieve great things in the Czech Republic,” said Jakub Rybář, the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports’ representative for the popularization of science and talent development.

KOSTKA also paves the way for further ambitious projects. The YSpace team is already working on the CIMER satellite carrying a biological payload, which the European Space Agency has selected for the program Fly Your Satellite! Design Booster 2.

After launch, KOSTKA will establish a connection with the tracking and command station located on the roof of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Communication BUT. From there, students will monitor its status, receive data from orbit, and control individual experiments. The mission will thus provide a unique opportunity to test new technologies directly in space while also paving the way for future Czech student satellites.