SmartSat CRC joins with Hellenic Space Centre to boost Australia-Greece space collaboration

·

SmartSat Cooperative Research Centre (SmartSat CRC) and the Hellenic Space Centre (HSC) have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the International Astronautical Congress (IAC). This agreement marks a pivotal step in enhancing international cooperation in space science, technology, and innovation between Australia and Greece.

The MOU aims to harness the complementary strengths of SmartSat CRC and the Hellenic Space Centre by fostering joint research, sharing scientific and technical information, and exploring synergies between the Kanyini Mission and HSC’s National Microsatellite Program through coordinated data acquisition and AI applications. It also encourages the exchange of experts and other collaborative activities to advance space technology and research.

The collaboration will initially focus on several key areas:

  • Microsatellites: Both countries are advancing capabilities in microsatellite technology, with SmartSat CRC leading Australia’s space and research initiatives and HSC developing Greece’s National Microsatellite Program. The new partnership aims to integrate AI and bolster multi-sector collaborations. 
  • Earth Observation: Joint research on Earth observation technologies and applications in agriculture, natural disaster monitoring, environmental sustainability, maritime surveillance, and climate change adaptation.
  • Space Science and Academic Collaborations: Including areas such as Space Domain Awareness, IoT, and Space Communications, with a shared focus on radio frequency and optical communications.
  • Commercial Networking: To promote collaboration between academic, industrial, and governmental stakeholders from both countries to foster space research and technology commercialisation.

Prof. Andy Koronios, CEO of SmartSat CRC, commented: “The collaboration between SmartSat CRC and the Hellenic Space Centre offers exciting new opportunities for our two nations to leverage the significant potential of space technologies to improve life here on Earth.”

“We can work ‘hand-in-hand’ to solve major problems such as preventing, responding to and mitigating the risks of wildfires, supporting agriculture and protecting our environment. Australia and Greece have had a long and positive relationship, and this agreement creates an opportunity to build a strong relationship in advanced technologies, such as the next generation of satellites, telecommunications and AI technologies. With my Greek background, I am particularly proud of the prospects of this partnership,” Prof. Koronios added.

Dr Nick Sergis, CEO of Hellenic Space Centre, said: “This agreement marks the beginning of a very promising collaboration between our countries in the domain of space, including related technologies, applications, products, research and innovation.”

“Both countries have critical needs, mainly imposed by the global climate crisis, that microsatellites and Earth Observation products, in particular, can address, at least to some degree. Both countries are also very active in space research carried out in prominent institutes – such as SmartSat – by renowned researchers. This MOU comes, therefore, as a natural step forward to strengthen space capabilities and co-create new opportunities for the space ecosystem,” Dr Sergis added.

HSC’s National Microsatellite Program, in partnership with the European Space Agency, plans to construct and launch 15 microsatellites by 2026 as part of a €200 million national space program. Supported by the European Recovery Fund, this initiative will enhance disaster management, environmental monitoring, and support for public agencies, in an effort to address challenges like climate change both at a national and global level.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Greek government to host online seminar for Greeks abroad on tax, business and relocation

An online information seminar designed specifically for Greeks living abroad will be held on Wednesday, July 9, 2025.

Erin Patterson found guilty of mushroom lunch murders

Erin Patterson has been found guilty of murdering three of her relatives by intentionally serving them a meal laced with deadly mushrooms.

Global Summit of Hellenic Lawyers set to launch in Athens

The world’s most distinguished Hellenic legal minds are set to gather in Athens for the inaugural Global Summit of Hellenic Lawyers 2025.

Greek PM commits €100m to Mount Athos for heritage and infrastructure works

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has pledged €100 million in funding for Mount Athos during a two-day official visit.

Greek Foreign Minister meets Libyan Commander Haftar in Benghazi

Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis met with General Khalifa Haftar, commander of the Libyan National Army, in Benghazi.

You May Also Like

Greece and Australia’s Foreign Ministers discuss bilateral relations

Greece's Foreign Minister, Nikos Dendias, spoke over the phone on Monday with Australia's Foreign Minister, Marise Payne.

Moray and Agnew named among the top 25 attractive law firms in Australia

Moray and Agnew Lawyers ranked number 25 on the Top 25 Attraction Firms ranking list and Bill Papastergiadis couldn't be prouder.

Pirates release 8 kidnapped crew members from a Greek-flagged tanker

Eight crew members of a Greek-flagged tanker ship have been freed more than 20 days after being kidnapped by gunmen off the coast of Cameroon in West Africa, Greece’s merchant marine ministry said Wednesday.