Greek technology program: Made-in-Greece satellites for space

One of the two companies involved in the project, ICEYE, is beginning its operations in Greece, investing long-term in human resources and infrastructure, laying the groundwork to expand its presence in the country. In this direction, ICEYE is planning the creation of a center of excellence, further showcasing the talent and potential that exists in Greece.

The company’s satellites will be assembled by Greek engineers in new facilities that will be established in Greece, creating new, attractive job opportunities in a rapidly growing and innovative sector, capable of attracting talented Greeks to stay and work in the country.

Additionally, the satellites of Open Cosmos Aegean will also be manufactured and utilized in Greece. The company currently employs 17 people under contract and is expected to reach 27 by the end of the year, with specialists in finance, programming, and space engineering.

Brain regain

The return of the country’s scientific talent

One of the most important contributions of the microsatellite program to Greece is the utilization of domestic talent. But it’s not only that young scientists now have the opportunity to work in a field that until recently seemed… alien to Greek standards. What is significant is that many of those already working on this are Greek scientists who had left the country in recent years, built careers abroad, and are now seizing the opportunity to return to their homeland, working in their field under better conditions than abroad. If, during the crisis years, we spoke of the “brain drain” phenomenon—where skilled compatriots emigrated abroad to seek a better future—today, we can finally speak, with evidence, of “brain regain.” This refers to the return to Greece of these highly skilled and professionally trained compatriots, who now find that better future in their homeland.

Dr. Anezina Solomonidou, a specialist in Space Sciences and Space Exploration, is a prime example. After 12 years working as a planetary scientist on NASA missions in Los Angeles and at the European Space Agency (ESA) in Madrid, she returned to Greece for the operation of the Hellenic Space Center.

A notable case is Dr. Anezina Solomonidou, who is a specialist in Space Sciences and Space Exploration. After 12 years working as a planetary scientist on NASA space missions in Los Angeles and for the European Space Agency (ESA) in Madrid, she had no plans to return. However, she did so with the establishment of the Hellenic Space Center under the auspices of the Ministry of Digital Governance. As she told “THEMA,” “We have the opportunity to shape our own vision for space exploration and science, actively participating in European and global developments, both in research and technology. I am happy to bring my experience back to Greece and contribute to a project that is crucial for the future of the country.”

Maria Katafyioti, who worked at ESA, has also returned, now serving as Contracts Officer at Open Cosmos. She expresses her excitement at the opportunity to apply her knowledge and experience to contribute “to the realization of this highly significant project for my homeland.”

After 11 years working in the banking sector in Berlin and London, Vasilis Chaloulakos returns to Greece to take on the role of head of ICEYE in the country. He says he wouldn’t miss the opportunity to return to Greece to work for a high-tech company with global impact. Having worked for years in investment banking and risk management, his return to Greece brings back knowledge and experiences that can be immediately combined with local talent to create a new dynamic in the Greek market.

Mechanical engineer Nikos Kougionis of Open Cosmos was working in Toulouse in the field of his studies and dreams: Aerospace and satellites. When he saw the job posting on LinkedIn for the microsatellite project in Greece, he thought it was a mistake. So, half-jokingly, he applied, without expecting anything. “But when I learned about the microsatellite program that was starting,” he explains to “THEMA,” “I literally packed my things and came back. Now, not only do I have my dream job, but I’m also helping my country develop an industry that will give opportunities to other people like me who are passionate about Space but couldn’t pursue a career in it in Greece.” Similarly, electronics engineer Nikos Stylianou of Open Cosmos also wants to apply the expertise he gained while working in the Czech Republic, returning to Greece.

And this is just the beginning: As conditions mature for the arrival of top companies in our country, more Greeks living abroad will have the opportunity to return and pursue significant careers in their homeland, which can now offer top professional development opportunities combined with a good quality of life.

Dimitris Papastergiou
Minister of Digital Governance
“The Greek space technology ecosystem”

Through the National Microsatellite Program, we acquire valuable data and high-value services in crucial areas such as Civil Protection, Urban Planning, and combating climate change. But there’s another key aspect of our space strategy: the creation of a Greek space technology ecosystem, a hub for companies, researchers, and employees from around the world. Part of the work, such as design, assembly, and quality control of mechanisms, will be carried out by microsatellite manufacturing companies in our country.

Young people who grew up and studied in Greece but left abroad in search of better employment conditions are returning, enriching our workforce. The digital transformation of the country is an ongoing process of elevating Greek society and the economy, contributing to the brain gain. The goal of the government and Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is clear: more well-paid jobs and the creation of conditions so that young people stay, grow, and help develop Greece.

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