One of the Czech companies whose work is leaving its mark in space is ATC Space from Klatovy. It is a manufacturer of parts for the space industry, which has been involved in the production of the European next-generation rocket Ariane 6 since 2019. In the same year, ATC Space built a new production hall in Klatovy in record time, equipped with state-of-the-art technologies, with the support of the Ministry of Transport of the Czech Republic and ESA.

Parts of the Ariane 5 rocket have been delivered from Klatovy for several years. ATC Space is now involved in the production of the European Ariane 6 rocket by supplying aluminium alloy parts and assemblies for the launch vehicle and its auxiliary engines.

The Ariane 6 launch vehicle is expected to replace its predecessor Ariane 5 and should be lighter and allow for a higher launch frequency compared to the older type. More than 600 entities from 13 European countries are collaborating on the Ariane 6 space programme. ESA successfully tested the rocket engines of the Ariane 6 launcher in early 2023. The rocket is expected to make its first flight in 2024.