The Deputy Prime Minister, Mr. Kostis Hatzidakis, where he was briefed on the progress of the project being implemented by the company as part of the National Microsatellite Program, the significant export activities already being developed by Open Cosmos from Greece, as well as its plans for further expansion.
According to a related announcement, Mr. Hatzidakis was given a tour of the satellite production and testing facilities, as well as Open Cosmos Aegean’s satellite data reception infrastructure, and discussed with the company’s leadership the strategic importance of the project in strengthening national capabilities, the country’s technological autonomy, and the outward-looking nature of the Greek space ecosystem.
The Vice President of the Greek Government, Mr. Kostis Hatzidakis, stated, among other things:
“What is happening here is not merely impressive because it relates to space and Greek satellites. Above all, it is extremely useful—for our economy, for our agriculture, for transportation, for the country’s defense, and also for strengthening the country’s international standing. As we enter this new era, it is very important for nations to have a presence in space-related policy. And here, Open Cosmos is a very dynamic company, and we, for our part as the Government, have every reason to support such efforts, which, among other things, rely on young people—young Greeks who have returned from abroad to work here.”
The launch and operational activation phase will begin in July with the first Hyperion GR1 satellite and the commencement of operations at the Greek ground station, which has already been installed. The 100-kilogram satellite will provide 90-centimeter resolution imagery across the panchromatic spectrum, while featuring powerful on-board artificial intelligence data analysis capabilities and inter-satellite links.
Overall, Open Cosmos Aegean is implementing the majority of the National Microsatellite Program, manufacturing 7 of the program’s 13 satellites and one ground station in Greece. The Greek Hyperion GR constellation will include satellites with complementary Earth Observation and connectivity capabilities: two microsatellites with very high-resolution cameras for sub-meter resolution imaging and five microsatellites equipped with multispectral and hyperspectral systems, SWIR imaging, Internet of Things receivers, and AIS automatic identification systems. All seven satellites will feature inter-satellite links and integrated artificial intelligence capabilities, enabling faster collection, processing, and transmission of critical data from space to Earth.
Through the company’s investment in modern infrastructure, cutting-edge technology, and specialized personnel, Greece now has the capability to design, build, test, and operate space systems in the critical fields of Earth observation and telecommunications.
The name Hyperion GR and the mission patch were selected through a school competition organized in coordination with the Ministry of Digital Governance, the Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports, and the Hellenic Space Agency. This initiative highlighted the project’s connection to the younger generation and to the vision of a Greece that is not limited to utilizing space technology but actively participates in its creation. The reference to Hyperion is associated with light, observation, and knowledge, and symbolically captures the purpose of the satellites: the collection and utilization of high-precision data for the benefit of society, the economy, and the environment.
The satellites manufactured in Pallini will support critical applications of public interest, such as the prevention and response to natural disasters, environmental monitoring, precision agriculture, maritime surveillance, urban planning, and faster decision-making by public administration. At the same time, the expertise developed through the Greek program positions Greece as an export hub for space infrastructure, technology, and data services for the wider region.
Rafel Jordá Siquier, founder and CEO of Open Cosmos, stated:
“Open Cosmos Aegean builds satellites and develops technology not only for Greece, but for the entire world. At the same time, it is developing subsystems for our ConnectedCosmos satellite constellation, further strengthening Greece’s role in the European and international space value chain.
Greece is currently one of Open Cosmos’ four European production bases. We will continue to invest in the country, leverage its exceptional human capital, and contribute to the creation of cutting-edge technology with an international focus.”
Maria Kalama, Managing Director of Open Cosmos Aegean, stated:
“We warmly thank the Deputy Prime Minister, Mr. Kostis Hatzidakis, for the time he devoted to today’s visit to our facilities, his valuable insights, and his personal interest in our work. We also thank the Greek Government, and in particular the Ministry of Digital Governance and the Hellenic Space Agency, for the substantial boost given to the Greek space industry through the National Microsatellite Program.
At Open Cosmos, we feel a special sense of pride because this program brings together an entire ecosystem: more than 13 Greek companies, research institutions such as the National Observatory of Athens, and our Greek investors. The excitement surrounding the choice of the name Hyperion and the design of the mission patch shows just how deeply such a project can inspire the younger generation.
It is the best proof that Greece can create, produce, and export cutting-edge technology, for the benefit of Europe, the national economy, public administration, and society.”
The Greek satellites will join OpenConstellation, Open Cosmos’s 23-satellite constellation, which allows governments, research institutions, and businesses to access satellite data and services more efficiently and at a lower cost. In this way, Greece not only acquires its own satellites but also participates in a broader European infrastructure that enhances timely access to critical data, resilience, and technological autonomy.
Open Cosmos Aegean currently employs approximately 30 engineers and specialized professionals, many of whom have returned to or chosen to work in Greece after gaining international experience. The development of this team is part of a broader effort to establish a stable and outward-looking space technology hub in the country, capable of supporting both national projects and international commercial activities.