Students involved in the Czech Journey to Space project accepted an invitation to an expert excursion to the Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences. During the excursion, they learned about current research, technologies, and international projects in which the Institute is involved, and tried their hand at the work of scientists in laboratories.
The program began in the astroparticle physics and optical sensors laboratories. Here, the cadets learned about the role of the Institute in international projects and the experiments it helps to carry out. Of particular interest was a demonstration of the mechanism being developed for the LISA mission, which will study gravitational waves from space with unprecedented accuracy in the future.
During the visit, students also learned about cooperation with observatories around the world and other planned projects in the field of astroparticle physics. Scientists from the Department of Astroparticle Physics, Martina Boháčová and Asen Christov, gave an expert presentation, describing the everyday reality of scientific work and willingly answering questions. The cadets were able to try out selected instruments for themselves, giving them a better understanding of the principles of measurement and the demands of experimental research.
The afternoon part of the program offered a different perspective on space exploration. Iva Poláčková Šolcová from the Institute of Psychology of the Czech Academy of Sciences gave a lecture on the psychological aspects of long-term space missions. She focused on topics such as long periods of isolation during space flights, mental resilience, and coping with extreme conditions, which are key issues for astronauts.
The excursion thus offered the cadets a comprehensive view of space research—from cutting-edge technologies and international scientific projects to the human psyche and its limits.
