in-cyprus 6 November 2025
The first satellite developed in Cyprus is scheduled for launch in 2026 with support from NASA and COSPAR (Committee on Space Research), marking a milestone in the country’s technological progress, the Chief Scientist and President of the Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF), Dimitris Skourides, said.
Skourides, who opened the 6th COSPAR World Space Research Symposium 2025, taking place from 3 to 7 November 2025 in Nicosia, noted that hosting one of the most important gatherings for space research in the world “is not accidental, but confirms Cyprus’s strategic vision and its determination to become a regional hub for research, innovation and high technology”.
According to a statement from the Chief Scientist, the symposium, themed “Space Exploration 2025: Humanity’s challenges and celestial solutions”, is held under the auspices of the Office of the Chief Scientist, whilst RIF is the main national sponsor.
The symposium was opened by Giorgos Danos, president of the Cyprus Space Exploration Organisation (CSEO), in the presence of ambassadors, more than 40 representatives of international space organisations, astronauts and leading figures, including Niklas Hedman, COSPAR’s new general counsel and former deputy director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), John G. Reed, chief rocket scientist at United Launch Alliance (ULA), and Jean-Yves Le Gall, former CEO of Arianespace.
In his speech, Skourides referred to the establishment of the Cyprus Space Research and Innovation Centre (C-SpaRC), describing it as a milestone in the country’s scientific development. The €2.5 million national infrastructure, funded by RIF, is coordinated by CSEO in collaboration with NASA’s TRISH, Lockheed Martin, the Sodankylä Geophysical Observatory and leading Cypriot research institutions.
He explained that C-SpaRC provides state-of-the-art facilities for rapid prototyping, production and space testing, allowing Cyprus to participate actively in European and global space missions.
He also announced that the first satellite developed in Cyprus is scheduled for launch in 2026 with support from NASA and COSPAR, marking a milestone in the country’s technological progress.
Skourides also highlighted the importance of Cyprus’s membership in the European Space Agency (ESA) as an associate member and the signing of the Artemis Accords with NASA in 2024, developments that strengthen Cyprus’s participation in global exploration and cooperation.
In her opening address, Professor Pascale Ehrenfreund, president of COSPAR, said the event marks the beginning of “a truly exciting week of scientific exchange”, offering a platform to advance dialogue and cooperation in space science and technology. Ehrenfreund also announced that COSPAR will soon issue an official statement on the vital role of space observation in advancing international climate research, ahead of the upcoming COP13 in Brazil.
Speaking on behalf of the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Georgios Komodromos, deputy director general of the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, highlighted Cyprus’s rapid progress in developing its national space ecosystem, including the establishment of C-SpaRC, Cyprus’s status as an ESA associate member and the EU Space Days, which Cyprus will host during its EU Council Presidency in 2026.
Speaking on behalf of the symposium’s main sponsor, Dr. Eric Smith, director of optical detection and exploitation at Lockheed Martin Space and chair of COSPAR’s Industrial Relations Committee, confirmed Lockheed Martin’s long-standing collaboration with COSPAR and praised the event for its role in advancing cooperation between industry and scientific research.
MEP Dr. Costas Mavrides expressed the view that Cyprus can and should play a vital role in the Mediterranean, supporting the creation of a European crisis management centre based in Cyprus to address climate change, natural disasters, and regional security challenges, where space technology will play a central role.
Marios Tannousis, CEO of Invest Cyprus, highlighted the country’s commitment to supporting the development of its national space ecosystem through international partnerships and investments.
(information from CNA)
