Biography
Currently, he flies the Gripen supersonic fighter, but his overall experience spans gliders, propeller airplanes, jet trainers and attack aircraft. He has accrued over 1,500 flight hours and holds a civilian commercial pilot license. In 2011, he reached 1st place at the Czech republic glider aerobatics championship. He works at the 211th Tactical Squadron in Čáslav, where he is an expert in electronic warfare and tactical air operations.
He took part in a number of international flying exercises, graduated from a U.S. Air Force leadership school and completed several professional courses abroad. He serves as an operational pilot in the NATO Integrated Air and Missile Defense System. In 2019, he deployed to the Baltics to take part in a NATO operation, protecting the skies over the three Baltic states.
In 2022, he succeeded in the European Space Agency's (ESA) astronaut selection, which constituted the largest astronaut selection campaign in the history of human spaceflight. After a year and a half long process, in the competition of more than 22,000 candidates, he became one of the 17 selected members of ESA Astronaut Class 2022. Together with 10 of his colleagues, he is a member of the Astronaut Reserve.
Svoboda has a PhD in aircraft and rocket technology, enjoys sports and is engaged in scuba diving.