The opportunities for the country’s space ecosystem arising from the “National Microsatellite Programme” and the inclusion of Adrianos Golemis as the first Greek in an official astronaut training programme of the European Space Agency (ESA) were presented by the Minister of Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence, Dimitris Papastergiou. The press conference, which took place today, 23 March 2026, at the Ministry of Digital Governance and AI, was attended by the Secretary General of Telecommunications and Post, Konstantinos Karantzalos and the Greek scientist Dr. Adrianos Golemis.
For the first time in its history, Greece is represented in an official ESA astronaut training programme, with Adrianos Golemis starting his training at the European Astronaut Centre in Cologne, Germany. This development marks an important step in strengthening the Greek presence in the field of space research and technology, opening up new prospects for the country’s participation in international space missions.
The training, which will run from April to October 2026, is a prerequisite for future inclusion in space missions and includes an intensive programme of theoretical training and practical exercises.
Dimitris Papastergiou, Minister of Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence, said: “The training of the first Greek astronaut is not only a personal distinction of Hadrian, it is a powerful symbol of the new era for our country in space. It is living proof that Greece can plan, participate and play a leading role in a field that until recently seemed distant. I think there is no better proof than that now a Greek will have the opportunity to travel in space. Our national presence in space is not fragmentary. It is part of a coherent strategy that is already being implemented: from increasing our participation in ESA research programmes to the “National Microsatellite Programme”, with the first launches already a reality. Already six micro and nano satellites are in orbit, while in a few days, weather permitting, six more Greek nano satellites are expected to be launched, and in April we continue with the thermal microsatellites, further expanding our operational capabilities in space. We are thus creating an integrated ecosystem of knowledge, innovation and production, linking scientific excellence with economic growth. Greece is moving from being an observer to a co-designer – with confidence, a plan and an eye on the future and the sky.
Secretary General of Telecommunications and Post, Constantinos Karantzalos said: “The launch of the Greek astronaut training is a particularly important milestone for our country, embedded in the wider framework of the national space strategy and the actions implemented by the Ministry of Digital Governance. This initiative is not an isolated action, but is part of a coherent set of policies, projects and investments that have been systematically implemented in recent years. Through these actions, Greece is strengthening its presence in the Space sector, exploiting the potential of science, technology and innovation. At the same time, our country approaches Space issues in a holistic way, recognising both their important scientific dimension and their growing geopolitical role”.
Adrian Golemis said: “It is a great pleasure for me that with systematic work by the Hellenic Space Centre and the General Secretariat of Telecommunications and Post, my success in ESA’s latest astronaut selection is being transformed from an individual to a national one and is translating into an opportunity for our country. It is an honour to help Greece be represented for the first time in the astronaut field. Being in space is a childhood dream and I am happy that we are moving forward with the right framework for our country: Joining the European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut training programme widens the window of participation of Greek companies, universities and research institutions in the Agency’s rewarding programmes, complementing the National Microsatellite Programme already underway. Having already worked for 8 years in this field, I have had the opportunity to experience in other countries the significant economic, scientific, geopolitical and educational benefits that arise and I am particularly pleased that Greece is moving towards this and expanding its activity in Human and Robotic Space Exploration. It is important to know that our country has a mature ecosystem that can contribute and benefit from the European framework. Astronaut training also gives us readiness in case Greece participates, in cooperation with Europe and America, in a mission to the International Space Station (ISS), developing indigenous research and technology for Space, with a view to their future application to improve our life on Earth. I would like to thank my family from the bottom of my heart for their support as well as every Greek man and woman who worked for our country’s entry into the astronaut programme.”
Short CV Adrianos Golemi
Adrianos Golemis grew up in Larissa, studied medicine at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and followed the disciplinary Master for Space Sciences at International Space University (ISU) in France.
She then lived and worked for 1 year in complete isolation with a small crew at Station Concordia in Antarctica. There he conducted European experiments studying changes in human physiology and psychology in extreme living conditions, including in space. His next stop was the French Institute of Space Medicine and Physiology “MEDES” where he worked on clinical studies simulating the difficulties for the human body in space to improve understanding and care on Earth.
Since 2018 it has been contributing to the medical support of the European Space Agency astronauts (ESA) where he now holds the position of Chief Medical Officer () where he now holds the position of Chief Medical Officer ():#222222″>Lead Flight Surgeon). He also serves as a research associate at the Hellenic Space Centre (ELKED).
In 2022, he topped the list along with 24 other candidates out of 22500 applicants in the European Space Agency’s astronaut selection competition (ESA), becoming the first Greek citizen to complete all stages of the selection process, giving Greece the opportunity to be represented for the first time in its history in a research mission in space. He was subsequently elected a member of the International Academy of Astronautics (International Academy of Astronautics – IAA).
Ais involved in astrophotography and scuba diving, is a small aircraft pilot and helps promote the importance of science with some 200 public presentations and interviews (several in schools).
