A joint Declaration of Cooperation was signed by the Hellenic Space Agency (ELDO) and the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The event was attended by the Minister of Digital Policy, Telecommunications and Information of Greece, Nikos Pappas.
The Statement of Cooperation, signed by the CEO of ELDO, Lieutenant Commander George Mantzouris PN, Dr, and the Commander of NASA, Jim Bridenstine, provides for the cooperation of the two Organizations, within the program of NASA: "Advanced Human and Robotic Exploration ON and AROUND the MOON ”, as well as the start of general collaborations in all areas of Space.
In particular, regarding the participation of ELDO in the NASA program, it is planned to send the first Greek robotic vehicle to the Moon in 2022 (s.s .: participation of Greece under the name "Hellas to the Moon") to explore this territory and the acquisition of data that will belong to the Greek State and will be utilized by Greek Universities and researchers.
The signing of this important agreement was preceded by the expression of interest by ELDO to participate in the Moon exploration program, during the International Astronautical Congress (International Astronautical Congress 2018), which took place in October 2018 in Bremen. While mediating, in February 2019, an open invitation of the Greek Organization to Greek universities, research centers and companies to submit proposals for participation in this mission.
The 14 proposals that were submitted and I found extremely interesting by ELDO and NASA concern: The construction of microsatellites for the Moon, the creation of algorithms for sending and receiving photos to and from the Moon, the creation of cultivation conditions on it, mining applications in its territory, the creation operating mechanisms for space communications, the creation of systems for the identification of chemical components of soil and environment of the Moon, etc.
In the successful preparation and completion of the Greek mission will participate Universities (Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Agricultural University of Athens, Democritus University of Thrace, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, National Technical University of Athens, National University of Crete, National University of Crete, University of Crete, University of Crete) Democritus) and private companies. The benefits that arise for Greece are multiple.
Among other things: Greece enters the world space map as an equal partner. Greece will declare its presence at the International Lunar Station, which will be in orbit around the Moon, gaining enhanced strategic benefits. The data that will emerge and will be put to use open new academic horizons, give opportunities for the establishment of innovative companies, offer significant development opportunities for existing Greek companies dealing with space. It is possible for the country's Universities and researchers to participate in international programs, by attracting high funding. The effort to stop the brain drain is strengthened, but also to attract well-known Greek scientists from abroad. Greece is present at the forefront of space technology. A new branch is developing for the Greek economy, with the corresponding benefits.
At the end of the signing ceremony of the Declaration of Cooperation between ELDO and NASA, the Minister of Digital Policy, Telecommunications and Information of Greece, Nikos Pappas, stated: , who have stepped on the ground of the Moon with their own vehicle. The Greek research community seemed ready to contribute with unique ideas for the priorities of research in the territory of the Moon. The Greek Government and the Hellenic Space Agency, with a lot of perseverance and systematic work, upgrade the country and place it at the forefront of research for the whole of humanity ".
The President of the Hellenic Space Agency, Christodoulos Protopapas, who was also present at the signing ceremony, said that this day "is very important for Greece and the Hellenic Space Agency, because the country is now among the very few distinguished countries that will be installed on the Moon. "From tomorrow we start work, in collaboration with the Greek Academic Institutions and research centers, but also the Greek space industry, in order to determine the operational requirements, the design and construction of the Greek lunar vehicle".
The CEO of ELDO, Lieutenant Commander George Mantzouris PN, Dr, stressed that this "is a historic day for Greece. After 9 months of hard work, the country is placed equally on the world space map as a strategic partner in space, ensuring benefits for society, science, the economy, but especially our young people. We urge young people to join our efforts and work together to realize a vision that wants Greece to reach the land of the Moon, proving the value of its scientists. "
NASA Commander Jim Bridenstine said: "NASA is going to the moon and will stay. It is unique that we go to the Moon with a global alliance. We are excited that ELDO, which closed its first year of life, will go with us to the moon ".
Source: KYPE