On Monday, June 23, 2025 at 23:30 (Greece local time), the launch of DUTHSat-2, the first CubeSat satellite in the framework of the National Microsatellite Program with the support of the European Space Agency (ESA), took place. The launch, as can be seen in the related video, took place from the Vandenberg base in the USA with a Falcon-9 rocket as part of SpaceX's Transporter-14 mission.
The DUTHSat-2 satellite was designed and built by a scientific team of the Democritus University of Thrace, in collaboration with Greek companies. The development of such projects in the context of the university community strengthens the extroversion of institutions, creates opportunities for young scientists and contributes significantly to the connection of research with the needs of society and the economy.
It is noted that the 7 kg DUTHSAT-2 traveled for about an hour on the Falcon-9 rocket along with other satellites and was released into orbit at an altitude of 510Km above sea level. Then follows a thorough process of placing it in orbit and starting commercial operation. Within at least 6 months of successful communication with the satellite and start of operation, DUTHSat-2 will perform in-orbit confirmation of new experimental Earth observation (optical cameras) and secure connectivity (telecommunication systems) arrangements.
The aim of this project is to strengthen the country's capabilities in the field of Earth observation and secure space communication. More specifically, DUTHSat-2 will provide images and measurements, which will be used to provide information on soil moisture, as well as marine pollution. In addition, the spectral recording frequencies and camera resolution have been chosen in such a way that both oil spills and ship ballast water discharge pollution can be detected. At the same time, a flight demonstration of a new basic telemetry and operational status unit will be performed. Essential Telemetry and housekeeping (ETM) is the space version of the "black box", allowing operators to gain insight into the state of the satellite in the event of failure of major subsystems
The mission is part of an integrated national strategy for the utilization of space technologies in dealing with natural disasters, monitoring the environment and strengthening civil protection. The successful implementation of the DUTHSat-2 mission marks the beginning of a series of Greek microsatellite missions, which will follow in the next period, further strengthening the operational and technological capabilities of the country. Within November, two more cubesats will be launched by consortiums of Greek companies.
The National Microsatellite Program, implemented under the auspices of the Ministry of Digital Governance and financed by the Recovery and Resilience Fund, is a strategic investment in the country's innovation, dominance, resilience and technological independence. It integrates the human scientific potential, the Greek universities, the domestic industry and consolidates the position of Greece as an active member of the European space policy.
The Minister of Digital Governance, Dimitris Papastergiou, said: "We have the first Greek "flag" satellite in space as part of the National Microsatellite Program, as the first launch for the most research and technology demonstration CubeSat program was successfully carried out. The DUTHSat-2 satellite is an excellent example of what can be achieved when the Greek scientific community effectively collaborates with industry. Led by the Democritus University of Thrace and supported by ESA, this project highlights Greece's talent, know-how and potential in the space sector. I want to congratulate everyone who worked. This is only the beginning of the Greek presence in space. The National Microsatellite Program enhances our country's capabilities in critical areas such as civil protection, environmental monitoring and secure communications. Apart from the fact that we expand our capabilities in many fields in this way, we also create a domestic space ecosystem, connecting scientists, institutions, research centers, universities and Greek companies with international developments in technology and innovation".
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