From tram tickets to toy lions: What Czechia may send into space

What would you pack if you were representing Czechia in space? A hockey puck, a tram ticket, or perhaps a tiny lion dressed as a pilot?

All three are among the objects shortlisted to accompany Czech astronaut Aleš Svoboda on his planned journey to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2027. The collection, unveiled on Nov. 2, brings together national traditions, childhood favorites, historic inventions, and everyday items that tell the story of Czechia.

According to the Czech Ministry of Defense, the public submitted 1,171 suggestions during a monthlong campaign inviting people to choose objects that could represent their country beyond Earth.

A seven-member committee, including Svoboda, government representatives, and scientific institutions, reviewed the proposals and selected a collection for further consideration.

Among the more unusual candidates is a replica of the Venus of Dolní Věstonice, a prehistoric ceramic figurine dating back approximately 29,000 years. The original is one of Czechia's most celebrated archaeological treasures.

Another proposed passenger is ježek v kleci, or the hedgehog-in-a-cage puzzle, familiar to generations of Czech readers through the adventure stories of writer Jaroslav Foglar.

For something more contemporary, the selection includes a historic tram ticket from Brno, Svoboda's hometown. The ticket celebrates the city's long public transport history and the importance of trams in everyday Czech life.

A plush two-tailed lion wearing a miniature flight suit made from Svoboda's own pilot uniform is also on the shortlist.

Sport is represented by a hockey puck, while Czech craftsmanship could make an appearance through a piece of the Merkur metal construction set. The toy has a particularly inventive history: Otto Wichterle famously used Merkur components to build an early machine for producing soft contact lenses.

Other candidates include a crystal object, Czech flags, and a small robot representing the country's contribution to the international vocabulary through Karel Čapek's play R.U.R.

The fictional Czech genius Jára Cimrman has also been proposed, although discussions with the character's rights holders are still underway.

The collection is not simply a suitcase of souvenirs. Organizers hope the objects will introduce international audiences to Czech history, science, literature, and culture.

Some could also play a role in educational demonstrations aboard the ISS. Linden tree seeds, for example, are proposed for a project that would see them planted after returning to Earth, with the resulting trees eventually growing near schools and in public spaces.

However, the shortlist is not final. Every object must undergo technical and safety assessments by the European Space Agency (ESA), NASA, and mission organizer Vast.

Even seemingly harmless souvenirs can pose risks in microgravity. Small components, loose particles, and certain materials must meet strict safety requirements before being allowed aboard a spacecraft.

The final selection will therefore depend on approval from the mission's international partners and the available space and weight allowances.

Svoboda is preparing for the Vast-PAM-1 mission, currently planned for no earlier than summer 2027.

He is expected to serve as pilot aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft, with the crew spending approximately two weeks on the ISS.

Alongside the symbolic objects, the mission is intended to support Czech scientific experiments and educational activities.

After returning to Earth, the souvenirs are expected to be displayed in museums, libraries, and other public institutions, allowing people to see the objects that represented Czechia in orbit.

For now, the country's potential space cargo offers an unusually personal portrait of Czech identity: part scientific ingenuity, part cultural heritage, and just a little Czech humor.