Two ESA Spark Funding Projects Set to Fly to the International Space Station with Astronaut Aleš Svoboda

We are thrilled to announce some incredible news. Two projects, ISS T-shirt and Icarus Armor Next Gen, which originated from ESA Spark Funding, have been selected to fly to the International Space Station (ISS) with Czech astronaut Aleš Svoboda! Big congratulations to all fantastic people involved for their incredible hard work and dedication to making these projects a reality! Your unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries and turning bold ideas into groundbreaking innovations is truly inspiring. The ISS T-shirt and ICARUS ARMOR projects are not just technological advancements; they are a testament to your curiosity and perseverance.

The Selected Projects: ISS T-shirt and Icarus Armor Next Gen

Both ISS T-shirt and Icarus Armor Next Gen are now preparing for their exciting mission into space. These projects are more than just experiments—they are innovations that could revolutionize our understanding of space conditions and human performance.

ISS T-shirt
This project, a modification of the original Icarus Armor, will monitor astronaut stress levels using a novel thermodynamic metric. The ISS T-shirt is designed to provide real-time data on the astronaut's physical and emotional state, which is crucial for ensuring optimal performance during long-duration space missions. By tracking these stress levels, the project aims to enhance astronaut well-being and mission success.

Icarus Armour Next Gen
The Icarus Armor Next Gen project takes the idea of stress monitoring a step further. This new iteration will create a personalized digital twin model to predict the cognitive performance of astronauts under cumulative stress. This technology is designed to improve astronaut safety by monitoring their mental and physical states in extreme environments, allowing for real-time adjustments and interventions to prevent fatigue and enhance decision-making.

ESA Spark Funding: A Launchpad for Innovation

The ISS T-shirt and Icarus Armor projects were supported by ESA Spark Funding, which encourages collaboration between space agencies and local innovators to develop technologies that can benefit both space missions and terrestrial applications. The initiative is instrumental in enabling small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to participate in high-tech space exploration while creating solutions with a broader societal impact.

The Role of Aleš Svoboda in Testing and Innovation

Aleš Svoboda, a Czech astronaut reserve member, has played a pivotal role in testing these innovations. His participation in the testing campaign at the Brno University of Technology’s climate chamber provided invaluable real-world data on human performance under extreme conditions. This collaboration highlights the unique synergy between astronauts and ground-breaking research, ensuring that these projects are ready for the rigorous conditions of space.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Space Innovation

The selection of these projects is a significant achievement for the Czech space program and a proud moment for all those involved. With the mission expected to take place before the end of 2027, the ISS T-shirt and Icarus Armor Next Gen will be part of a larger suite of experiments conducted by astronaut Aleš Svoboda, paving the way for new technological advancements and enhancing our understanding of how humans can perform in space.

This is not just a victory for the Czech space industry but for global space exploration as well. The projects will contribute to critical research that may have applications both in space and on Earth, particularly in fields such as astronaut health, extreme environment monitoring, and worker safety.

A Proud Moment for ESA Technology Brokers

As ESA Technology Brokers, we are immensely proud to be a part of this remarkable achievement. We believe in the power of innovation and collaboration, and the success of these projects underscores the impact of our role in helping bring bold visions to life. We look forward to seeing these technologies reach new heights and contribute to future space missions.

Once again, congratulations to all the teams involved in ISS T-shirt and Icarus Armor Next Gen—you are making a real difference in the world of space exploration!

For more information about ESA Technology Broker activities, please contact A. Ruscak (ruscak@tc.cz) or O. Simek (simek@tc.cz)