Greece is steadily strengthening its position in the space through the National Programme Microdrilling.

This is a €200 million Recovery Fund project, supported by the European Space Agency and the Hellenic Space Centre.

In comparison, already 11 microsatellites are in orbit and another four thermal microsatellites are expected to be launched in early May, in collaboration with OroraTech. With this move, Greece gains its own access to Earth observation data in near real time.

The Minister of Digital Governance Dimitris Papastergiou stresses that the new mission strengthens resilience against climate crisis and gives important tools to Policy Protection. As he notes, this is a strategic investment that is progressing steadily.

At the same time, the country’s participation in European programmes, such as PLATO, shows that the domestic space ecosystem has “matured”. Highly skilled jobs are being created and investment is being attracted.

Also, the new thermal satellites are a key tool for monitoring fires. In particular, they allow early detection of outbreaks, continuous image of the evolution and accurate mapping of burnt areas. Their data help the competent authorities to make rapid decisions.

At the same time, they can detect thermal anomalies before they develop into large fronts. This enhances prevention and immediate reaction.

Their applications are not limited there. In the field of environment, they support the monitoring of land and sea temperatures, as well as the detection of sea burners. They also help to protect sensitive ecosystems.

In the so-called sea economy, they provide data on aquaculture and marine conditions. In cities they help analyse phenomena such as thermal islands.

The data will be collected at the Government Earth Observation Hub. There, information from all Greek satellites will be consolidated, creating a common operational environment for the Public Administration.

Domestic participation also plays an important role. OroraTech has already partnered with Greek agencies to integrate fire data into the Fire Department’s system, and training and pilot applications are underway.

At the European level, Greece is strengthening its position. The political leadership visited the ESA technical centre in the Netherlands to coordinate next steps. There, new programmes and greater participation of Greek companies were considered.

Particular emphasis was placed on the PLATO mission, where there is Greek participation. Universities and research institutions in the country will also contribute to the analysis of scientific data.

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