Greece strengthens its national space infrastructure with the launch of its first thermal satellites

On Sunday, May 3, 2026, another decisive step in the field of space technology was taken, with the successful launch of six new microsatellites from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California with SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket. The National Microsatellite Program is implemented by the Ministry of Digital Governance through the General Secretariat of Telecommunications and Post, under the General Secretary Konstantinos Karantzalos, in collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA) and with the support of the Hellenic Space Center (HSC).
The four thermal satellites and the two experimental satellites of the Hellenic Space Dawn mission enhance Civil Protection, environmental monitoring, and the country's climate resilience. The new thermal satellites, developed by OroraTech, constitute the first integrated national thermal observation system for the detection and monitoring of fires in near real-time. With advanced sensors, they offer continuous imagery of fire evolution, early detection capabilities, and accurate impact mapping, enhancing the operational readiness of the responsible authorities.
Their data will be integrated into the Government Earth Observation Hub, creating a unified operational information environment for Public Administration.
At the same time, the satellites provide high-precision information on the temperature of marine and coastal waters, changes in lakes and reservoirs, as well as critical land use categories, from agricultural and forest areas to urban fabric and wetlands. This way, the country's ability to make informed decisions in areas such as environmental protection, water resource management, agricultural production, and climate change adaptation is strengthened.
The Hellenic Space Dawn mission, the first Greek CubeSat duo for Earth observation, validates advanced Greek space technologies both in orbit and on the ground, while contributing to the provision of near real-time data for applications such as ship detection, coastal flood monitoring, and land use changes.
The mission also includes the evaluation of innovative laser optical communication technologies, enhancing Greece's participation at the forefront of European space research.
Greece continues to consistently strengthen its presence in Space, developing critical infrastructures that shield the country against modern challenges and create new opportunities for the national economy, innovation, and public safety.