The student team YSpace from Brno University of Technology (BUT) has achieved a significant milestone in space research. It is one of five teams selected by the European Space Agency (ESA) to participate in the prestigious Fly Your Satellite! Design Booster program. Over the next 18 months, YSpace will benefit from ESA’s exclusive technical and expert support. The team’s flagship project, Mission CIMER, focuses on studying cyanobacteria in microgravity using their own satellite.
The goal of Mission CIMER (Cyanobacteria In Microgravity Environment Research) is to investigate the behavior of cyanobacteria in space. These microorganisms will be housed in a 3U CubeSat, a small satellite consisting of three units, each measuring 10x10x10 cm. Once the cyanobacteria are activated in space, their vitality and oxygen production will be monitored. This research could drive advancements in biology and technology needed for long-term space missions.
YSpace’s selection for the ESA program followed several demanding evaluation phases. One of the key moments was presenting the mission during Training Week at ESA’s headquarters in the Netherlands, where the team showcased both the technical and scientific aspects of the project. ESA’s final decision came in December 2024, with an expert panel recognizing the innovation and feasibility of the project.
BUT’s Rector, Ladislav Janíček, emphasized the importance of this achievement:
“The YSpace team demonstrates how effective the connection between education and practice can be. Students are tackling real scientific and technical challenges, which not only drives innovation but also inspires future generations of technical talent.”
We are thrilled with the students’ success, as we actively support the YSpace team. Our collaboration began last year, and we are proud to contribute to the development of their innovative project by providing expertise and access to our prototype PCB manufacturing facilities. Our goal is to continue supporting young talent and advancing Czech space research.
“We are excited to play even a small part in this groundbreaking project. The YSpace team is an excellent example of what students can achieve with passion, expertise, and the right support,” said Gatema PCB’s business team.
Founded in 2023, YSpace brings together more than 40 students from bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs. Just two years after the launch of the Space Applications program at BUT, students can already boast international success, strengthening the reputation of Czech universities in space research.
The YSpace team is now working on the final phase of Mission CIMER’s preparations, with the launch planned for 2027.
“This success would not have been possible without the support of our partners in the space industry and academia. We are proud of what we’ve accomplished and believe this project is just the beginning. We are actively looking for additional partners who share our vision of advancing space technologies,” emphasized Dominik Klement, YSpace Team Leader.
The YSpace team and Mission CIMER are bringing the Czech Republic closer to the leading nations in space research while proving that supporting young talent truly makes a difference.
Source: KUBÍČEK, Petr, Mgr. Pioneering space mission from Brno succeeded in European Space Agency program. Online. HTTPS://WWW.VUT.CZ/EN/BUT. Brno University of Technology News. 2025-01-13 17:19. Available from: https://www.vut.cz/en/but/f19528/d277031. [cit. 2025-01-20].