Greece is moving from the launch of microsatellites to the operational exploitation of its space strategy. Minister of Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence Dimitris Papastergiou, together with the German Federal Foreign Minister Dr Johann Wadephul, opened the offices of OroraTechin Athens, highlighting the operational dimension of Greek-German cooperation in the field of Space.
The visit took place in the wake of the successful launch of the first Greek thermal satellites, a development that, as noted, gives the country for the first time the ability to detect and monitor fires in near real time, essentially enhancing Civil Protection and the safety of citizens. In the same context, the National Microsatellite Programme reflects a systematic investment in knowledge, innovation and national capabilities, with the aim of shaping a modern space ecosystem.
During the visit, the operational system of satellite detection and monitoring of forest fires being developed in Greece was presented, utilizing data from thermal satellites and allowing continuous surveillance and early detection of outbreaks.
The deployment of this system reflects a broader shift in the way natural disasters are managed, as for the first time a country gains access to a specialized satellite fleet designed for continuous fire monitoring, creating a new paradigm for harnessing space technologies to protect citizens, ecosystems and the economy.
The new satellites also provide highly accurate information on the temperature of the country’s marine waters, coastal areas and inland water bodies (lakes and reservoirs), as well as on a variety of land use categories – from agricultural and forest land to urban areas and wetlands. In this way, they make a key contribution to the systematic monitoring of critical environmental and climate parameters, enhancing the country’s capacity for informed decision-making in areas such as marine and coastal environmental protection, water resource management, agricultural production and climate change adaptation.
The development of relevant infrastructure and cooperation with innovative private sector companies are key pillars of the national space strategy, with an emphasis on applications of direct public benefit, such as civil protection.The development of relevant infrastructure and cooperation with innovative private sector companies are key pillars of the national space strategy, with an emphasis on applications of direct public benefit, such as civil protection.
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