The anniversary exhibition at Syntagma
The Hellenic Space Center (HSC), under the General Secretariat of Telecommunications and Posts of the Ministry of Digital Governance, organized a five-day exhibition from March 21 to 26, 2026, at the Syntagma metro station venue, marking 20 years of Greece’s active participation in the European Space Agency (ESA).
As part of the exhibition, visitors engaged with projects and exhibits from the Greek and European space sectors, as well as their tangible benefits for life on Earth. Presentations were also delivered by representatives of HSC, ESA, and Greek companies and organizations active in space research and technology.
The presence of Komvos at the exhibition marking 20 years of Greece in ESA
Within the framework of the presentations, among others, two distinguished Greek scientists with active international presence participated, both closely connected to Komvos: Adrianos Golemis and Anezina Solomonidou.
Their participation reflected their broader activity in the space sector, while also highlighting the high caliber of human capital associated with Komvos.
The European Astronaut Programme through the perspective of Adrianos Golemis
Dr. Adrianos Golemis, corresponding member of Komvos, research associate at HSC, ESA mission lead physician, and the first Greek astronaut under training, presented the European Astronaut Programme. He focused on the scientific rationale for sending humans into space, the astronaut selection process, and their training.
He also shared examples of how research and technologies developed for astronaut missions improve everyday life on Earth, such as water recycling systems for the International Space Station and telemedicine technologies.
He further discussed the economic, educational, and geopolitical benefits for countries participating in such missions, as well as the significant potential of Greek research institutions and companies to contribute to the future of the European space programme.
“Is there life beyond Earth?” – The scientific perspective of Anezina Solomonidou
“Greece in Space: Science & Exploration”
In her talk titled “Is there life beyond Earth? The JUICE mission,” Dr. Anezina Solomonidou, Planetary Scientist and Space Science and Exploration Specialist at HSC, ESA national representative in Human and Robotic Exploration, and member of the International Advisory Committeee of Komvos, explored one of humanity’s most enduring questions: whether life is unique to Earth or may exist elsewhere in the Universe.
Through an accessible scientific approach, she presented the key conditions required for life and the most promising destinations within our Solar System, such as Mars and the icy moons of the giant planets.
At the same time, she referred to current ESA and other international missions aimed at detecting signs of life, highlighting Europe’s decisive role in space exploration. Particular emphasis was placed on the dynamically growing presence of Greece in the space sector, through participation in European programmes, contributions of Greek research teams to international planetary science, and the involvement of Greek companies in cutting-edge missions. The country’s active role in shaping future strategies for human and robotic space exploration was also underlined.
Her talk brought the audience closer to contemporary scientific research and demonstrated that Greece is now an active member of the international space community, while the answer to the question “Are we alone?” may be closer than ever.
Naturally, such an event could not be without the presence of an iconic figure in space research, such as Dr. Stamatios Krimigis, Emeritus Director of space programmes at NASA at Johns Hopkins University, former National Representative of Greece to the European Space Agency and Partner of Komvos, who participated through a recorded video message.
Komvos’ dimension
The presence of scientists connected to Komvos in international research and technological environments highlights its role as a network that bridges the Greek scientific diaspora with developments in critical sectors.
In this context, Komvos’ initiative on Space Science and Industry focuses on:
• shaping a framework for dialogue between science, policy, and business
• highlighting Greek capabilities in the space sector
• linking research with innovation and production
This approach aims at gradually strengthening Greece’s position within the European and global space ecosystem
Conclusion
The contribution of Greek scientists in this environment demonstrates that Greece has the necessary foundations for a meaningful and steadily strengthening role in the future of European space activity.
Η συμβολή Ελλήνων επιστημόνων σε αυτό το περιβάλλον αναδεικνύει ότι η Ελλάδα διαθέτει τις προϋποθέσεις για ουσιαστική και διαρκώς ενισχυόμενη συμμετοχή στο μέλλον της ευρωπαϊκής διαστημικής δραστηριότητας.
