Two NPI experiments selected for the ISS mission

11. 06. 2026

On Monday, the Nuclear Physics Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences took part in a press conference dedicated to the upcoming Czech mission to the International Space Station (ISS), which will be flown by astronaut Aleš Svoboda aboard the Crew Dragon spacecraft. The mission, supported by the European Space Agency (ESA), will include a total of 13 scientific experiments, two of which are being developed by researchers from NPI CAS: CZPAD and ZOE.

The press conference was attended by representatives of the Czech government and other institutions involved in the national space mission. The programme also featured presentations of the individual scientific projects, providing NPI researchers with an opportunity to introduce the objectives and scientific significance of their experiments.

CZPAD (Czech Personal Active Dosimeter)

CZPAD is a dosimetry experiment developed by NPI CAS in cooperation with ESA as part of the scientific programme of the Czech astronaut mission to the ISS. The aim of the project is to test a new personal active dosimetry system based on the SPACEDOS detector, capable of measuring cosmic radiation doses in real time, including the neutron component, which represents a significant part of astronauts’ radiation exposure. Current assessment of astronauts’ radiation exposure relies mainly on passive dosimeters evaluated after their return to Earth. CZPAD expands this approach by enabling continuous radiation monitoring, a capability that will be particularly important for future long-duration missions to the Moon and Mars.

During the mission, the astronaut will wear three active SPACEDOS dosimeters positioned on different parts of the body (e.g. chest, lower back, and thigh), with their locations changing throughout the flight. A fourth detector will serve as a reference unit. The measured data will be displayed in real time through the Dosimetric Display Unit (DDU), a wristwatch-like device that will be used in space for the first time.

The results of the project will contribute to more accurate personal dosimetry and improved astronaut safety. Knowledge gained about neutron radiation interactions with the human body may also find applications on Earth, including aviation, nuclear energy, and healthcare.

The principal investigator of the project is Iva Ambrožová. The development of the dosimetry systems is carried out by Martin Kákona, both from the Department of Radiation Dosimetry of NPI CAS.

ZOE

ZOE is a biological experiment developed by NPI CAS and selected by ESA as part of the scientific programme of the Czech astronaut mission to the ISS. The project aims to investigate whether early embryonic development in oviparous vertebrates can proceed under conditions of microgravity and increased cosmic radiation in a way that allows the development of fertile offspring. A key process under investigation is the migration of primordial germ cells, which must reach the future reproductive organs during embryonic development. Any disruption of this process may lead to infertility, making it a crucial issue for long-term human presence beyond Earth.

The experiment will be conducted using the Japanese quail as a model organism, whose embryonic development shares several important characteristics with that of mammals. The results are expected to contribute not only to our understanding of reproductive biology in space but also to identifying biological limits of long-term habitation beyond Earth. The experiment includes a dedicated transport and incubation system designed to ensure the safe delivery of eggs to the ISS and their return to Earth. Incubation will take place in the KUBIK facility located in the European Columbus module for approximately six days.

After their return, the samples will be analysed under laboratory conditions, including investigations of cellular processes, RNA expression, and protein expression. The findings will contribute to a better understanding of how the space environment affects organism development and will support preparations for future long-duration crewed missions.

The principal investigator of the project is Oldřich Zahradníček. Other team members include Pavel Trefil, Tomáš Mikuš, Martina Zíková, and Iva Ambrožová, all from the Department of Radiation Dosimetry of NPI CAS.