Dr Adrianos Golemis has been chosen to join the European Space Agency’s (ESA) astronaut training programme following a highly competitive selection process involving more than 22,000 applicants. His participation opens the possibility of a Greek astronaut taking part in a future space mission for the first time, according to euronews.com
Golemis has already begun training at the European Astronaut Centre in Cologne, Germany. His selection marks a significant milestone for Greece, a country that has historically had limited involvement in human spaceflight, signalling a shift toward greater participation in the sector.
Digital Governance Minister Dimitris Papastergiou described the achievement as a source of national inspiration, particularly for younger scientists. He noted that Greece’s role in space once seemed distant, but recent investments in microsatellites and nanosatellites demonstrate growing ambition. The country’s small satellite fleet is expected to be largely completed in the coming months.
ESA has also been working to broaden its astronaut corps beyond its traditionally dominant member states, creating more opportunities for countries like Greece.
Papastergiou emphasised that space investment extends beyond scientific advancement, offering practical benefits for everyday life. Satellite data are already improving weather forecasting, disaster response, wildfire management and civil protection.
Additionally, space technologies support agriculture, including monitoring production and managing subsidies, while helping protect natural resources such as water. They are also increasingly vital in telecommunications, cybersecurity and defence.
The government’s strategy aims to build a strong ecosystem of space applications that will drive innovation, strengthen the economy and enhance decision-making across the public sector.
Source: euronews.com
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