“Earth’s observation satellites will attempt day and night”
The prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis visited Iceye’s premises in New psychicwhich is active in the field of construction and operation satellite SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar).
The company manufactures the first two Greek satellites SAR, that will be orbited by the end of 2025, while at its premises in Greece there is a newExclusive Line of Satellite Subystems.
The prime minister, accompanied by Digital Governance Minister Dimitris Papastergiou and Deputy Minister Christos DermentzopoulosHe was guided to the company’s offices and production sites and was informed of her actions by Iceye Rafał Modrzewski and Iceye Hellas chief Vasilis Haloulakos.
“Let me make three introductory observations. First of all, it is great that this is a European success story and that Europe may prove that it may have a leading presence in very advanced technologies of the future. Secondly, I am very pleased to have a presence in Greece, because we want to be part of this ecosystem and attract talents from abroad, But also from Greece, ensuring that Greek human capital can contribute to the development of the company“, The prime minister stressed, adding:” And of course, a third observation is that we become part of your ecosystem, through our own satellites, who are critical in terms of environmental monitoring, whether we are talking about natural disasters, or other applications, but also about defense and security. “
Mr Mitsotakis then pointed out: “We live at a time when investment in defense and security have become a European priority. There are many European resources that are mobilized. At the moment, this is national money here. Let’s hope that at some point it will be European. It is crucial for us to remain at the technological peak of the progress we make as Europe. And when we choose our winners in these new emerging technologies we have to supportI think, these technologies, as well as companies that have proven that they can really lead worldwide in technologies that will be absolutely critical to our future security. Therefore, I am happy to be here and I look forward to learning more about what you do in Greece, what satellites have to offer us, more broadly in governmentbut also how you can broaden your presence in Greece by increasing employment and making your office in Greece one of your most important offices. “
On his side, Digital governance Minister Dimitris Papastergiou noted: “During our visit today with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis at Iceye’s premises we saw with great pleasure that the company did not just come to open an office, but it is constructing Greek microfibers. Now, parts of world production are manufactured in our country by the company that is a leader in space technology. It is extremely important that through the Greek microfiber program, Greek scientists have returned and employed in the ecosystem. The General Secretariat for Telecommunications and Post and ELED (Hellenic Space Center) with the contribution of ESA (European Space Agency) creates the conditionsso Greece acquires its own power in space. And it is very important to see solutions in various policy areas that can “come” from space. “
During the visit Kyriakos Mitsotakis was informed by Iceye’s leadership for the first two SAR satellites built by the company on behalf of the Greek state and expected to be orbited by the end of 2025contributing significantly to the actions of the National Micreed Program. Now the sections manufactured Currently in Greece they make up about 15% of every satellite and are exported to the construction of the company’s global fleet.
Earth observation satellites will attempt day and night, regardless of the weather and will offer almost real -time high -precision satellite images. They will be used to monitor the marine and inland environment, to manage natural disasters, such as floods and fires, as well as for safety and defense applications, and will be combined with artificial intelligence tools to provide high -value analytical products to the end user, boosting Overall national technological and strategic autonomy in the field of crisis management and natural disasters. It was also announced that, through the National Minority Program, the Ministry of National Defense would have access to very high resolution satellite satellite SARS data.
The prime minister was also informed of an extremely important development in space technology: Iceye Hellas is planning in 2026 to launch in Greece complete construction of satellites, From the first accessory to the final assembly. To date, production has been made exclusively in Finland, although the company’s satellites are sold and used worldwide. In this way, Greece will become the second point in Europe where Iceye will build satellites from scratch, creating a production line that can produce 3-4 satellites and at least 8 per year. The critical satellite subsystems for the company’s world fleet, including parts of the satellites to be orbited on behalf of the Greek stateare manufactured in the production unit of the company in our country by engineers, developers and craftsmen, many of whom have returned from abroad to contribute to the development of the Greek space industry.
The company has a presence in 10 countries, employs more than 900 employees and has secured funding of more than $ 500 million. The visit was also attended by the Government, the Secretary -General of Telecommunications and Post Constantine Karantzalos and the Secretary General of National Security Thanos Dokos.