If Greece’s acquisition of its own fleet of Earth-observing microsatellites is the “big news,” there’s even bigger news. Our country’s satellite systems will be built, configured, and monitored on Greek soil by Greek hands. To paraphrase the most famous phrase ever uttered outside the Earth’s atmosphere, it is one small step for Greece, one giant step for the development of the Greek space sector…
The first steps were taken, with Ministry of Digital Governance to sign the first two agreements with Open Cosmos and ICEYE to “run” the acquisition by Greece of a cluster of 15 microsatellites, which will be put into orbit and used in various sectors. First in Civil Protection (this will concern the cluster of the first seven microsatellites to be put into operation by the summer of 2026) with functions such as cooperation with the Copernicus system, environmental protection and climate crisis monitoring, surveillance for the response to extreme phenomena (from fires to floods, as we will also have thermal imaging satellites that will monitor the entire territory for fire outbreaks), the very high resolution satellite image planning service (30-50 cm), telecommunications, even military applications . In addition to its own satellites, Greece will also have access to ICEYE’s existing constellation of SAR satellites, the largest in the world, and will already be able to begin monitoring key areas of interest as it develops its own space capabilities.
From Greek hands
The plan of the two companies that signed the contracts for the Greek microsatellites it is ambitious and foresees the construction of a satellite manufacturing factory in the country, the operation of space hubs in Athens and much more. Satellites, that is, for Greece, made by Greeks on Greek soil, which will be operated and maintained by Greeks at Greek ground stations. How will this be done?
In the framework of the implementation of the projects of the Hellenic Space Program, young and experienced engineers will be employed in the entire range of tasks required for the construction and operation of satellite systems. Thus, engineers will design, model materials, subsystems, the space environment and run simulations for their optimal performance and combination. Engineers will manufacture the materials, configure them, build subsystems, assemble, control and validate the correct operation of the mechanisms, as well as the software.
When the satellite is launched by ESA (European Space Agency), engineers will control its operation, communicate daily and control the systems, while the data will be downloaded to a ground station and from there, with software developed by scientists, many critical applications for monitoring the environment will be implemented.
One of the two companies that have undertaken the project, ICEYE, begins its activity in Greece, investing in a long-term horizon in human resources and facilities, laying the foundations to expand its presence in the country. In this direction, ICEYE is planning the creation of a center of excellence, further highlighting the talent and perspectives that exist in Greece.
The company’s satellites will be assembled by Greek engineers in new facilities to be created in Greece, opening up new, attractive jobs in a fast-growing and innovative industry capable of attracting talented Greeks to stay and work in the country.
The satellites of Open Cosmos Aegean, which already employs 17 people under contract, and will reach 27 by the end of the year, with specializations in finance, programming and Space engineers, will also be manufactured and used in Greece.
Brain regain
The country’s scientific minds are making a comeback
One of the most important services offered by the microsatellite program in Greece is the utilization of domestic talent. But it’s not just that young scientists have the opportunity to work on an object that until recently seemed… alien to Greek standards. It is – and this is of great importance – that a large part of those already working for it are Greek scientists who left in previous years abroad, had a career and are now taking advantage of the opportunity to return to their homeland, working on their subject under better conditions conditions from abroad. If, during the years of the crisis, we talked about the phenomenon of brain drain, of our qualified compatriots who left as immigrants abroad in search of a better fortune, today we can finally talk with evidence about the brain regain. The return to Greece, that is, of our compatriots with high scientific and professional training, who find the best luck in their country…
The example of Dr. Anezina Solomonidou, who is a specialist scientist for Space Sciences and Space Exploration, is typical. After 12 years of working as a planetary scientist on NASA space missions in Los Angeles and European Space Agency (ESA) in Madrid, he did not plan to return. He did it with the operation of the Hellenic Space Center under the auspices of the Ministry of Digital Governance, with which, as he says in “THEMA”, “we have the opportunity to shape our own vision for space exploration and science, actively participating in European and global developments, both research and technological. I am happy to bring my experience back to Greece and contribute to a project that is of decisive importance for the future of the country.”
Maria Katafugioti also worked at ESA, who took on the role of Contracts Officer at Open Cosmos and declares that she is excited to use her knowledge and experience in it to contribute “to the implementation of this particularly and manifold important project for my homeland”.
After 11 years of working in the banking sector, in Berlin and London, Vassilis Chaloulakos returns to Greece to head ICEYE in Greece. He would not miss the opportunity, he says, to return to Greece to work in an advanced technology company with a global impact and, having worked for years in investment banking as well as risk management, with his return to Greece he brings back expertise and experiences that can be directly combined with domestic talent to create a new dynamic in the Greek market.
Open Cosmos mechanical engineer Nikos Kougionis was working in Toulouse, in the subject of his studies and dreams: Aerospace and satellites. When he saw the ad on Linkedin for the microsatellite project in Greece, he thought it was… a mistake. And so, between joking and seriousness, he made the application, not expecting anything. “But when I found out about the microsatellite program that was going to start,” he explains to “THEME”, “I literally packed my things and turned around. Now I don’t just have a dream job, but I’m also helping my country develop an industry that will give opportunities to other people like me who are fascinated by Space, but couldn’t pursue a career in our country.” Likewise, upon returning to Greece, Open Cosmos electronics engineer Nikos Stylianou wants to utilize the know-how he acquired while working in the Czech Republic.
And this is only the beginning: As the conditions mature for the arrival of leading companies in our country, it will be possible for more Greeks abroad to return and have an important career in their country, which will now be able to offer leading opportunities professional development combined with a good quality of life…
Dimitris Papastergiou
Minister of Digital Governance
“The Greek space technology ecosystem”
With the National Microsatellite Program we acquire valuable data and high-value services in extremely important areas such as Civil Protection, Urban Planning, tackling climate change. But there is one more important parameter in our Space strategy. The creation of a Greek space technology ecosystem, a point of reference for companies, researchers and workers from all over the world. Part of the work, such as the design, assembly, checking the correct operation of the mechanisms, will be carried out by the microsatellite manufacturing companies in our country.
Young people who grew up and studied in Greece, but left abroad in an effort to find better employment conditions, return enriching our human resources. The digital transformation of the country is a continuous progress of Greek society and economy, which contributes to brain gain. The goal of the government and Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is clear: more and well-paid jobs, shaping the conditions so that young people can stay, develop and develop Greece.
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