Open Cosmos and the European Space Agency have signed an agreement for the construction of a cluster of Greek high-definition multispectral Earth observation satellites, within the framework of the Hellenic Space Programme.
Specific program objective is the construction of an advanced satellite constellation and demonstrates the government’s commitment to strengthening space programmes, producing an economic and environmental footprint for Greece and European citizens in general. The data collected by Greek satellites will contribute to the efficiency of public services, monitoring the environment and the effects of climate change, combating marine pollution and increasing the efficiency of agriculture.
D. Papastergiou: We invest in space
The contract was signed in an official ceremony opened in his presence. Minister of Digital Governance, Dimitris Papastergiou.
The Minister of Digital Governance stressed that “as a country, we are implementing a space programme of this kind for the first time, and this is of great importance, as we have planned from the beginning, to respond to a number of critical national needs. Through the deployment of microsatellite clusters, we will have valuable data in near real time that will contribute to timely decision-making and policy-making in important areas such as civil protection. For example, with these seven microsatellites, we will have multispectral data that will cover the entire Greek territory every day. In this way, we will monitor changes in the environment over time. At a time when we are constantly experiencing the effects of the global climate crisis, we are using the resources of the Recovery Fund and investing in space, acquiring a unique “technological toolbox”. With its help, we will protect human lives and nature. At the same time, through the programme, the Greek space industry is strengthened, with significant benefits for the economy and society.”
Open Cosmos Founder: We are honored to be selected for such a critical program
Rafel Jorda Siquier, Founder and CEO of Open Cosmos, said: “We are honoured and extremely proud of Open Cosmos for being selected for such a critical programme for Greece. We faced competition from some of the world’s leading players in the space industry, and the fact that we secured this project is a testament to the hard work of everyone at Open Cosmos and the advanced satellite technology. Completing this project will put us at the forefront of satellite data providers, paving the way for future collaborations and developing OpenConstellation.”
S. Cheli (ESA): Unique ability to maximize the benefits of these initiatives
Simonetta Cheli, ESA’s Director of Earth Observation Programmes, said: “The awarding of the development of this Greek programme to Open Cosmos is proof of the Office’s continued commitment to supporting national initiatives of ESA Member States, in close cooperation with the authorities of each country and within tight deadlines. ESA has the unique ability to maximise the benefits of all these initiatives by providing a unique framework for the exchange of views between and for the benefit of Member States.”
“We have an important ecosystem of partners and service providers in all the countries where we are present, and Greece will certainly be no exception,” said Dr. Maria Kalama, Director of Open Cosmos Agean. “We would like to thank all our partners for their contribution to the security of this project, and especially our main partners in Greece, Nova ICT, EMTECH-Space, Libre Space Foundation, Planetek Hellas, Adamant Composites and Priority Consultants.”
It is worth mentioning that “Open Cosmos, Europe’s fastest-growing space company, has established a new office in Greece and is establishing a factory near Athens to assemble satellites and cover local and international markets. This investment in capacity development is in line with Greece’s strategy to strengthen the national space industry, promote job creation and attract skilled professionals.”
The National Space Program of Greece
The program is part of the Greek Government’s integrated National Space Project, which also includes the purchase of satellite data and capabilities – radar (Synthetic Aperture Radar) and thermal data (Thermal Infrared). The program has three main objectives:
- Strengthen Greek capabilities in satellite technologies.
- Providing space data with environmental and economic benefits for Greek citizens.
- The establishment of international partnerships, strengthening the government’s ability to exchange satellite data with its European and international partners.