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| Participation in Artemis Accords and global partnerships boosts Cyprus’s role in space exploration. Photo credit: NASA |
CYPRUS JOINS RACE TO THE MOON WITH ROLE IN NASA'S ARTEMIS PROGRAMME - KNews 3/4
Local research supports astronaut health solutions for future lunar missions.
George Danos, president of the Cyprus Space Exploration Organisation, says Cyprus is set to contribute to the NASA Artemis program, a major effort to send humans back to the Moon after more than 50 years.
He explained that the current phase of Artemis involves sending astronauts to orbit the Moon rather than landing on its surface. These missions are designed to prepare for future operations, especially Artemis IV, which aims to establish a long-term human presence and develop lunar bases instead of brief exploratory trips.
Cyprus formally joined this international effort by signing the Artemis Accords in October 2024 with U.S. participation. Through CSEO, the country has also built partnerships with Lockheed Martin and NASA, focusing on research related to astronaut health.
One of Cyprus’s main contributions is in space medicine. Scientists are studying how conditions such as radiation exposure and microgravity impact the human body during extended missions. Research conducted with the Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics has already identified certain health risks and suggested possible pharmaceutical treatments to address them.
This work is part of an initiative led by the International Center for Space Research and Innovation, a center connected to COSPAR. According to Danos, these efforts have produced strong results and demonstrate Cyprus’s growing role in global space research.
Danos also highlighted the potential importance of lunar resources. Materials like lithium, which are essential for renewable energy technologies, could possibly be sourced from the Moon. If that becomes feasible, it could reduce environmental damage on Earth and support more sustainable development.
He added that the space industry is expected to grow significantly, with projections reaching one trillion dollars in value by the end of the decade. Cyprus’s involvement could bring both scientific progress and economic opportunities while supporting humanity’s return to the Moon.
With information from CNA.
