The EMTech project is a multiple CubeSat mission to capture Earth observation imagery that supports cartography, agriculture, forestry mapping and land use monitoring. It will validate in-orbit an optical communications link, a high-performance data processor and hardened microcontroller, and an analogue mixed signal library. Led by Athens-based EMTech Space, the consortium includes four Greek companies – Integrated Systems Development, Heron Engineering, Leo Space Photonics and Geosystems Hellas – as well as the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, the Hellenic Naval Academy, and the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.

The ERMIS mission is a multiple CubeSat mission to demonstrate an optical communications link, space-based 5G internet-of-things communications services, as well as hyperspectral Earth observation data to support precision agriculture. It is led by the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, with subcontractors OQ Technology, the University of Patras, the University of the Aegean and the National Observatory of Athens.

A CubeSat mission called MICE-1 will track shipping in the Aegean Sea via automatic identification system signal reception and gather data from devices developed by Prisma Electronics to monitor and analyse maritime vessel operating parameters. It will be delivered in partnership between Prisma Electronics and the Democritus University of Thrace.

Optisat is a CubeSat mission to validate an optical communications link. It will also demonstrate the use of cognitive cloud computing in space and the implementation of the on-board processing for compression and cloud classification algorithms for multi and hyperspectral data. Led by remote sensing firm Planetek Hellas, the consortium comprises blockchain company BitRezus, Athens-based JNP Strategy and Consulting and the University of Piraeus Research Centre.

PeakSat is a CubeSat mission to demonstrate secure connectivity and validate space hardware and software developed in a partnership between the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and Prisma Electronics.

The Phasma mission is a three CubeSat mission to fly in close proximity that will use radio-frequency signals to provide space-based situational awareness by monitoring terrestrial and satellite signals, led by the Libre Space Foundation.

Development is well underway, with design reviews due to be held over the summer and the final acceptance review prior to launch due within 18 months.

The CubeSat projects represent the first part of ESA’s Greek Connect Programme, which will include a dedicated satellite system providing secure connectivity for Greek national services, the set up of a state-of-the-art assembly integration and testing facility, and upgrades of existing optical ground and radio-frequency tracking stations in Greece.