The New 'HELLAS-SPACE 2.0' National Space Program Budgeted at €350 Million ($378 Million)

The first comprehensive National Space Plan was presented by the Ministry of Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence at a special event titled "Greece in Orbit," held at the Ίδρυμα Μείζονος Ελληνισμού (Foundation of the Hellenic World) – "Hellenic Cosmos" Center.

In the presence of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the relevant Minister, Dimitris Papastergiou, announced Greece's new National Space Program, named "HELLAS-SPACE 2.0." The program has a budget of approximately €350 million ($378 million), with resources sourced from the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF, the EU-funded post-pandemic recovery fund), and concerns the financing of actions over the next four years.

Practical Applications and Benefits

As Mr. Papastergiou pointed out, space technologies are expected to be converted into tangible benefits for citizens. The program's core objectives focus on vital sectors of state operations and the economy. Specifically, it provides for the strengthening of civil protection to combat wildfires and floods, as well as the upgrading of maritime surveillance to support the work of the Λιμενικό Σώμα (Hellenic Coast Guard), as seen in how artificial intelligence is transforming decision-making in shipping.

At the same time, the program aims to promote precision agriculture for farmers and ΑΑΔΕ (Independent Authority for Public Revenue, Greece's tax and customs authority), improve border security and national defense, and ensure secure communications for the country's islands and remote areas.

Strengthening Domestic Industry and Education

An additional strategic pillar of "HELLAS-SPACE 2.0" is the strengthening of the Greek aerospace industry. The targeting includes the creation of national production lines so that added value is retained within the borders, while giving Greek companies the ability to export technology and products globally. This strategy seeks to boost the development of cutting-edge technologies traditionally monopolized by a few global firms, such as the new leader in artificial intelligence that recently emerged.

Additionally, the launch of the Panhellenic Student Space Program was announced. Through this initiative, secondary education students from across the country will have the opportunity to design, build, and launch actual nanosatellites into orbit.

The Ecosystem and the First Greek Astronaut Candidate

During the event, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis spoke with Adrianos Golemis, a space mission doctor completing his training as an astronaut at the ESA (European Space Agency), who is expected to be in space within the next two years. The Prime Minister underlined that supporting Mr. Golemis constitutes a national investment with both practical and symbolic value, intended to serve as an inspiration in schools and for young children.

Finally, Mr. Mitsotakis highlighted the country's significant progress since 2019, emphasizing that the dynamic ecosystem surrounding space technologies, combined with Artificial Intelligence, represents a massive opportunity for Greece to make a major leap and surpass other countries in the field of digital policy.