Podcast Technically Speaking: Why Wouldn't We Even Buy a Cup of Coffee Without Space Satellites?

How are modern technologies changing our world? Researchers, students, and alumni of Brno University of Technology explain complex topics in a simple and accessible way, shedding light on issues that increasingly shape our lives, yet often remain difficult to understand. Tune in to the latest episode of Technically Speaking – this time featuring Šimon Sloboda and the KOSTKA space mission.


On Thursday, June 25, Flyout: The KOSTKA Satellite Unveiling Ceremony will take place at the Brno Observatory and Planetarium.

 

The next guest on Technically Speaking podcast is Šimon Sloboda from YSpace. | Author: Václav Koníček

If all satellites suddenly disappeared from space tomorrow, the first things people would notice would be the loss of navigation services and disruptions to banking systems. However, the impact would quickly spread to other critical infrastructure, which is why the development of the space industry is so important. Students at BUT are now contributing to this effort with their own satellite. At first glance, it is just a small cube measuring ten centimetres on each side. In reality, it is the first Czech satellite designed and built entirely by students, and it will soon head into space aboard a Falcon 9 rocket. Once in orbit, it will test a custom antenna module, capture and process images using an onboard camera, and investigate interference in the UHF band used for satellite communications.

“After some time, the satellite should come within range of the command station at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Communication, allowing us to communicate with it directly. We will send the first signal, and if everything works as expected, it will respond. At that moment, we will all celebrate and consider the mission a success,” says Šimon Sloboda, leader of the YSpace student team behind the development of the KOSTKA space mission.

How do satellites stay in orbit? What challenges must they withstand during launch and while operating in space? Why are space technologies so important for our everyday lives? And could space one day become overcrowded?

You can listen to the latest episode of Technically Speaking on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube. Be sure to subscribe to our channels so you never miss an episode.

All episodes are also available on the podcast website. We’ll explain it like people do!

 

Responsible person Ing. et Ing. arch. Jana Němcová
Date of publication