Greece’s ambition to become a serious player in space technology gained a human face this week, as Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis chaired a meeting on the country’s first planned astronaut mission to the International Space Station, alongside the launch of a new €350 million national space programme.

The meeting at the Maximos Mansion followed the official start of European Space Agency training by Dr Adrianos Golemis, the Greek scientist expected to become the country’s first representative on an International Space Station mission. The launch is planned within the next two years and is expected to last up to three weeks. During the mission, the Greek astronaut will carry out experiments and technology demonstrations proposed by Greek universities, research centres and companies. 

The astronaut mission forms part of Greece’s broader push to expand its role in space research and high technology. At the “Greece in Orbit” event, attended by the Prime Minister, the government presented the second phase of its space policy: the new National Space Programme, “ELLAS Space II,” with a budget of €350 million, together with the country’s first comprehensive National Space Strategy through 2030.

Following the nanosatellite programme, which created Greece’s first national space infrastructure, the new plan shifts the emphasis toward building a domestic space industry, attracting investment and producing high value-added technology.

“We have built infrastructure. With the nanosatellite programme, we entered the market. Now we are moving on to sustainable international capabilities. We are moving from the local league to the Champions League,” said Digital Governance Minister Dimitris Papastergiou, describing the philosophy behind the new programme.

Unlike the first phase, “ELLAS Space II” places particular emphasis on Greek participation in production. The plan provides for the creation of national production lines so that more of the added value remains in Greece, while international tenders will aim for at least 50% Greek participation. The programme will be implemented through open international tenders.

The government also sees the programme as a way to attract new investment. Papastergiou referred to the recent decision by ICEYE to establish a microsatellite factory in Greece by 2027, creating around 250 new jobs, and expressed hope that other companies in the sector would follow.

“ELLAS Space II” provides for a new generation of Earth observation satellites, positioning systems, secure satellite communications using post-quantum cryptography, artificial intelligence applications for data use, and autonomous operations.

These technologies are expected to support key sectors including civil protection, maritime surveillance, precision agriculture, border security, defence, safe navigation and services for remote parts of the country.

A nationwide student space programme was also announced. Through the initiative, pupils will be invited to design and build up to eight microsatellites, while schools will operate as ground stations to monitor them.

The first comprehensive National Space Strategy was presented by Manolis Ramos, president of the Hellenic Space Agency. He said it was the result of extensive consultation with Greece’s space ecosystem and, for the first time, gives the country a common direction through 2030.

The strategy is built around five national goals: using space technologies in the public sector, developing the space economy, promoting scientific excellence and brain regain, strengthening Greece’s international presence, and building autonomous decision-making capabilities. It also provides for a governance system and annual progress reviews, so that the strategy can adapt to developments in a fast-growing global sector.

Ramos noted that the global space economy is projected to reach €1.8 trillion by 2035.

Deputy Minister of National Economy and Finance Nikos Papathanasis described investment in space as a strategic choice, noting that more than 20% of Recovery Fund resources have been directed toward digital transformation, while Digital Governance Ministry projects exceed €2.3 billion. The new programme, he said, lays the groundwork for domestic expertise, new jobs and a stronger high-tech ecosystem.