The national space program enters the full implementation phase. In November 2025, the launch of two Radar (SAR) technology satellites, is planned made by Iceye, as well as three experimental microfiber, which will enhance national capacity in advanced technologies and allow new applications to be developed. Following will be followed by the launches of the seven optical satellites as well as the four thermal satellites, who will provide complete daily coverage of the Greek space.
The program, designed and implemented by the Ministry of Digital Governance, the General Secretariat for Telecommunications and Post and Post and Post and The Greek Space Center, with the technical supervision of the European Organization Space (ESA), funded by the National Plan of Recovery and Rules “Greece 2.0”.
“When we decided to invest as a country in space with microforestry that will provide 24 hours a day critical data on civil protection, urban planning, the environment, many considered it science fiction. But in collaboration with ESA, we ran all the procedures very quickly, We signed the relevant agreements and within just one year it will be on track The first microforem in the context of the “National Microfore Program”. In November, the launch will be made, ”says Digital Governance Minister Dimitris Papastergiou.
The goals of the National Space Program
The aim is for Greece to acquire immediate operational capacity to satellite data and services that will contribute to environmental protection, the treatment of natural disasters and climate change, but also to applications related to national security and defense, while at the same time enhancing the domestic space industry.
The pursuit of the program is dual: on the one hand, direct access to satellite data that will enhance civil protection, environmental monitoring, climate change analysis and national security, and on the other hand, the gradual development of autonomy in the production of satellites, subsystems and advanced state -of -the -art technologies.
Investments have already been launched on production lines, testing infrastructure and ground stations, such as the creation of a clean AIT Facility (Assembly, Integration & Testing) space of 350 sq.m. In Tanagra for trials of up to 500 kg, as well as the upgrading of three telescopes (Helmos, Skinaka, Holomin) to visual visual and quantum communications.
“Even more decisive is that we are already planning our next step, which provides for comprehensive satellite production in Greece to serve the world market. The company’s next target is to produce primary technology Through R&D activities in Greece, as we aspire to contribute to the development of the country’s technological base, which is the key ingredient for Greece’s technological autonomy, “Iceye’s head Vassilis Haloulakos told RES-EIA and adds:
“As for the utility of Iceye satellites, the SAR system carried by the company’s satellites produces satellite data that help the competent authorities respond faster and more effectively to a wide range of operational needs and challenges. More specifically, Iceye’s satellite data help to deal with natural disasters such as floods and fires until critical and immediate usable information on the country’s security and defense. This makes Iceye’s satellites an excellent tool for Greece, which has important needs in these areas. “
The operational capabilities of the National Space Program cover an extremely wide range of uses
Thermal satellites will support forest fire management, temperature monitoring in sea, ground and urban centers, contributing to early marine fuel detection and protection of the blue economy (eg aquaculture). SAR data will allow precise flood mapping, locating vessels and vehicles in sea and land, as well as surveillance of marine areas, critical infrastructure and pollution incidents.
Optical satellites will allow the production of high precision of national cartographic backgrounds, enhance the monitoring of ecosystems, of Natura and biodiversity areas as well as agricultural production Through the mapping of crops, efficiency assessment and soil moisture monitoring. In addition, the data will be used to monitor urban thermal islands, air quality and territorial deformities, offering valuable tools to public bodies, research institutions and civil protection services.
“At Iceye we are very proud to have built and orbit the first Greek satellites, even earlier than the original timetable. Our cooperation with the Ministry of Digital Governance And the European Space Agency in this crucial program has been exemplary and showed the added value that can make investments funded by the Recovery Fund. At the same time, we are particularly happy for the rapid creation of our Greek offices in Athens, which include a productive unit where Greek engineers and craftsmen build significant subsystems for our global satellite constellation, ”says Mr. Haloulakos.
Finally, the development of the government -based government hub will allow for the single collection, processing and diffusion of data, both by Greek satellites and from European and international programs such as Copernicus and Landsat, enhancing the utilization of satellite information on civil protection, research, security and industrial development.
“With resources of the Recovery Fund, Greece first acquires its own” eyes “in space, which allow public and private bodies to engrave effective policies and produce smart solutions. And that’s just the beginning. By 2026 the country will have a full production line capable of manufacturing high -tech satellites, “Made in Greece”, from the first accessory to the final assembly. This development marks not only our technological upgrading, but also a great opportunity for brain regain. Greek scientists and engineers return home to help create a powerful domestic space ecosystem that will place Greece on the European space map with claims, “concludes Dimitris Papastergiou Minister of Digital Governance.