Greece launches first CubeSat bearing national flag, built at Democritus University of Thrace – Aims to boost civil protection capabilities
Vandenberg, USA – Greece successfully launched its first national CubeSat, the DUTHSat-2, on Sunday as part of the National Micro-Satellite Program, with the support of the European Space Agency (ESA). The launch took place from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, aboard a SpaceX Falcon-9 rocket, during the Transporter-14 mission.
Developed and constructed by a scientific team at the Democritus University of Thrace in collaboration with Greek technology firms, the DUTHSat-2 represents a significant step forward in domestic space innovation. The project not only enhances university outreach and research-to-society connections but also creates new opportunities for young scientists in the country.
The 7-kilogram satellite traveled for about an hour aboard the Falcon-9 before being deployed into orbit at an altitude of 510 kilometers above sea level. It will now undergo a phased orbit stabilization and operational startup.
Within six months of successful communication and activation, DUTHSat-2 is expected to test experimental Earth observation systems (optical cameras) and secure connectivity systems (telecommunication modules) in orbit. The mission’s primary goal is to strengthen Greece’s capabilities in Earth observation and space-based secure communication.
Civil Protection and Environmental Monitoring
The satellite will provide images and data related to soil moisture and marine pollution, including oil spills and wastewater discharge from ships. Its imaging systems have been specifically designed to detect such environmental threats.
DUTHSat-2 will also demonstrate a novel telemetry and housekeeping system, known as Essential TeleMetry and Housekeeping (ETM) – the space equivalent of a “black box.” This unit will offer real-time data about the satellite’s condition, particularly useful in case of subsystem failures.
Strategic National Program
The launch marks the beginning of a broader Greek space initiative, with more missions to follow. Two additional CubeSats developed by Greek consortiums are scheduled to launch in November 2025.
The National Micro-Satellite Program is overseen by the Ministry of Digital Governance and financed by Greece’s Recovery and Resilience Fund. It aims to bolster the nation’s innovation, technological autonomy, resilience, and position within the European space ecosystem. The initiative integrates universities, research centers, industry, and international partnerships.
Government Statement
Greece’s Minister of Digital Governance, Dimitris Papastergiou, stated:
“We now have our first Greek-flag satellite in space. This mission demonstrates what can be achieved when academia and industry collaborate. Led by the Democritus University of Thrace and supported by ESA, the DUTHSat-2 mission showcases Greece’s talent and capacity in space technologies. This is only the beginning. Through the National Micro-Satellite Program, we are not only improving our operational capabilities in civil protection, environmental monitoring, and secure communication, but also building a domestic space ecosystem that connects Greek scientists and enterprises to global innovation.”
