TIMELINE
TIMELINE
TIMELINE
01
01
JULY 2023
JULY 2023
MISSION ESTABLISHMENT
MISSION ESTABLISHMENT
MISSION ESTABLISHMENT
The YSpace team officially initiated the KOSTKA project as a mission designed to prepare the team for a more complex mission by building technical knowledge and operational experience to the more complex CIMER (Cyanobacteria In Microgravity Environment Research) mission. Because orbital biological experiments come with significant technical risks, the team chose to start with KOSTKA - a 1U CubeSat built to help them gain hands-on experience with satellite integration while creating a reliable hardware foundation for future missions. The primary engineering goals included the validation of a modular control system and an in-house experimental antenna, both intended to serve as the technological backbone for future 3U satellite architectures.
The YSpace team officially initiated the KOSTKA project as a mission designed to prepare the team for a more complex mission by building technical knowledge and operational experience to the more complex CIMER (Cyanobacteria In Microgravity Environment Research) mission. Because orbital biological experiments come with significant technical risks, the team chose to start with KOSTKA - a 1U CubeSat built to help them gain hands-on experience with satellite integration while creating a reliable hardware foundation for future missions. The primary engineering goals included the validation of a modular control system and an in-house experimental antenna, both intended to serve as the technological backbone for future 3U satellite architectures.
02
02
JANUARY 2024 – AUGUST 2025
JANUARY 2024 – AUGUST 2025
ENGINEERING DESIGN & SUBSYSTEM DEVELOPMENT
ENGINEERING DESIGN & SUBSYSTEM DEVELOPMENT
ENGINEERING DESIGN & SUBSYSTEM DEVELOPMENT
During this phase, the project progressed from conceptual modeling to the development of flight-representative prototypes. The team focused on refining KOSTKA’s core subsystems, including the satellite’s central structure responsible for power distribution and data handling, as well as improving the reliability of onboard communications and integration processes. Through multiple design iterations, engineers optimized the 1U platform to maximize performance within strict size and resource constraints. This stage ensured that KOSTKA evolved from an early concept into a robust spacecraft design capable of meeting the rigorous technical standards required for spaceflight.
During this phase, the project progressed from conceptual modeling to the development of flight-representative prototypes. The team focused on refining KOSTKA’s core subsystems, including the satellite’s central structure responsible for power distribution and data handling, as well as improving the reliability of onboard communications and integration processes. Through multiple design iterations, engineers optimized the 1U platform to maximize performance within strict size and resource constraints. This stage ensured that KOSTKA evolved from an early concept into a robust spacecraft design capable of meeting the rigorous technical standards required for spaceflight.
During this phase, the project progressed from conceptual modeling to the development of flight-representative prototypes. The team focused on refining KOSTKA’s core subsystems, including the satellite’s central structure responsible for power distribution and data handling, as well as improving the reliability of onboard communications and integration processes. Through multiple design iterations, engineers optimized the 1U platform to maximize performance within strict size and resource constraints. This stage ensured that KOSTKA evolved from an early concept into a robust spacecraft design capable of meeting the rigorous technical standards required for spaceflight.
03
03
OCTOBER 2025 – MARCH 2026
OCTOBER 2025 – MARCH 2026
ASSEMBLY, TESTING & FLIGHT READINESS
ASSEMBLY, TESTING & FLIGHT READINESS
ASSEMBLY, TESTING & FLIGHT READINESS
During this phase, the team continued progressing toward flight readiness while also participating in the ESA BIC Prague Liftoff Challenge. Winning the challenge provided funding that supported final development and testing, helping move KOSTKA closer to launch readiness. The KOSTKA flight model was integrated at TRL Space facilities, where the team used their clean room for final satellite assembly. It then underwent a vibration test at VZLU Aerospace facilities. These procedures verified that the student-engineered hardware could withstand the mechanical stresses of launch and the extreme thermal gradients of the space environment, successfully certifying the satellite for flight.
During this phase, the team continued progressing toward flight readiness while also participating in the ESA BIC Prague Liftoff Challenge. Winning the challenge provided funding that supported final development and testing, helping move KOSTKA closer to launch readiness. The KOSTKA flight model was integrated at TRL Space facilities, where the team used their clean room for final satellite assembly. It then underwent a vibration test at VZLU Aerospace facilities. These procedures verified that the student-engineered hardware could withstand the mechanical stresses of launch and the extreme thermal gradients of the space environment, successfully certifying the satellite for flight.
During this phase, the team continued progressing toward flight readiness while also participating in the ESA BIC Prague Liftoff Challenge. Winning the challenge provided funding that supported final development and testing, helping move KOSTKA closer to launch readiness. The KOSTKA flight model was integrated at TRL Space facilities, where the team used their clean room for final satellite assembly. It then underwent a vibration test at VZLU Aerospace facilities. These procedures verified that the student-engineered hardware could withstand the mechanical stresses of launch and the extreme thermal gradients of the space environment, successfully certifying the satellite for flight.
04
04
APRIL 2026 – JULY 2026
APRIL 2026 – JULY 2026
LAUNCH INTEGRATION & ORBITAL MISSION
LAUNCH INTEGRATION & ORBITAL MISSION
LAUNCH INTEGRATION & ORBITAL MISSION
In April 2026, the YSpace team completed the official handover of the KOSTKA satellite to the launch integrator, Exolaunch. The satellite is now being prepared for launch as part of SpaceX’s Falcon 9 Transporter-17 rideshare mission, planned for summer 2026 from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Once in orbit, the mission will focus on validating key systems and gathering operational data to support future missions.
In April 2026, the YSpace team completed the official handover of the KOSTKA satellite to the launch integrator, Exolaunch. The satellite is now being prepared for launch as part of SpaceX’s Falcon 9 Transporter-17 rideshare mission, planned for summer 2026 from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Once in orbit, the mission will focus on validating key systems and gathering operational data to support future missions.
21D 11H 21M 06S
21D 11H 21M 06S
21D 11H 21M 06S
21D 11H 21M 06S
21D 11H 21M 06S
15D 11H 21M 06S
TO LAUNCH
TO LAUNCH
TO LAUNCH
TO LAUNCH
TO LAUNCH
TO LAUNCH
OF THE FIRST STUDENT-BUILT SATELLITE IN CZECH REPUBLIC
OF THE FIRST STUDENT-BUILT SATELLITE IN CZECH REPUBLIC
OF THE FIRST STUDENT-BUILT SATELLITE IN CZECH REPUBLIC
OF THE FIRST STUDENT-BUILT SATELLITE IN CZECH REPUBLIC
OF THE FIRST STUDENT-BUILT SATELLITE IN CZECH REPUBLIC
OF THE FIRST STUDENT-BUILT SATELLITE IN CZECH REPUBLIC
© 2026 | All rights reserved | Website made by Damian@YSpace
© 2026 | All rights reserved | Website made by Damian@YSpace
© 2026 | All rights reserved | Website made by Damian@YSpace
© 2026 | All rights reserved | Website made by Damian@YSpace
© 2026 | All rights reserved | Website made by Damian@YSpace