Greece is systematically strengthening its position in the space sector through the National Microsatellite Programme, a landmark project of the Recovery and Resilience Fund, with a total budget of €200 million, implemented with the support of the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Hellenic Space Centre (ELKED).
Already, 11 microsatellites have been launched into orbit, while the launch of four thermal microsatellites is planned for early May, as part of a collaboration with OroraTech.
With this mission, Greece is taking a decisive step, gaining for the first time sovereign access to critical Earth observation data in near real time, limiting dependence on third-party sources.
“The launch of the four new thermal microsatellites in May marks a decisive step for the country, as for the first time we gain our own, reliable access to critical data in near real time, essentially strengthening Civil Protection and resilience against the climate crisis,” Minister of Digital Governance, Dimitris Papastergiou, tells APE-MPE and immediately adds: “This development is part of the National Microwaves Programme, a strategic investment for growth and innovation, which we are implementing with speed and consistency as a landmark project of the Recovery Fund.
Mature and competitive space ecosystem
At the same time, our active presence in ESA and the participation of Greek companies and academic institutions in flagship missions, such as PLATO, confirm that Greece now has a mature and competitive space ecosystem, which brings investment, creates highly skilled jobs and strengthens the country’s position in the European space environment.”
Thermal microsatellites are a key pillar for the creation of an integrated national fire monitoring system. They provide capabilities for early detection of fire outbreaks, continuous monitoring of their development, accurate mapping of burnt areas and impact assessment, while making a decisive contribution to operational decision-making by the competent authorities. Through thermal data, it is possible to detect thermal anomalies before they develop into uncontrollable fronts, enhancing prevention, preparedness and immediate response.
The applications of satellites extend beyond Civil Protection. In the field of environment and climate change, they allow systematic monitoring of ground and sea temperatures, detection of marine burns and monitoring of sensitive ecosystems and protected areas.
The Government Earth Observation Hub
In addition, they support the blue economy, with data on aquaculture and marine conditions, while in urban areas they contribute to the analysis of phenomena such as heat islands and the design of policies to adapt to the climate crisis. Overall, they are part of a wide range of services covering agriculture, forests, water resources, land management and security.
Satellite data will be integrated into the Government Earth Observation Hub, creating a single operational environment for public administration. This infrastructure will allow the integration of data from all Greek satellites, direct access to critical information and the use of advanced analytical tools, substantially enhancing decision making and crisis management.
The domestic added value of the programme is also important. OroraTech, has developed a multi-level presence in Greece. Among other things, in collaboration with Greek agencies, it has proceeded to integrate active fire data into the Fire Brigade’s operational system, while end-user training and pilot operations are being carried out.
In parallel with the operational development of the programme, Greece is also strengthening its strategic presence in the European space ecosystem. In this context, the Minister of Digital Governance. Dimitris Papastergiou, accompanied by the Secretary General of Telecommunications and Post. Constantinos Karantzalos, paid a working visit to ESA’s ESTEC (European Space Research and Technology Centre) in Nortweik, the Netherlands, the largest technical centre of the European Space Agency, to coordinate the actions for the successful completion of the Greek Space Programme.
Within the framework of the visit, extensive meetings were held with ESA’s management and technical teams, focusing on the progress and smooth completion of the current Greek Space Programme, the formulation of new programmes and prospects for cooperation, with emphasis on strengthening the participation of Greek industry and the academic sector in European space ventures, as well as Greece’s strategic position in the evolving European space ecosystem.
Tour of ESTEC’s structural facilities and testing laboratories
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Mr Papastergiou and the Greek delegation were given a tour of the ESTEC structural facilities and control laboratories, which support horizontally all ESA programmes and constitute world-class infrastructures for science, space exploration, material strength analysis under extreme conditions, robotic systems and control and quality assurance testing.
Of particular importance was the visit to ESTEC’s clean rooms, where the final checks and tests are carried out before the launch of the PLATO (PLAnetary Transits and Oscillations of stars) mission, one of ESA’s most important scientific missions, which is expected to make a decisive contribution to the understanding of planetary systems and the conditions conducive to the emergence of life in the universe.
Special emphasis was placed on Greek participation in the PLATO mission, with Greek companies and institutions contributing to its development, reflecting the maturity and competitiveness of the domestic space industry, while Greek universities and research institutions will also be actively involved in the analysis of the mission’s scientific data.
