Page 99 - ΝΑΥΤΙΚΑ ΧΡΟΝΙΚΑ - ΣΕΠΤΕΜΒΡΙΟΣ 2022

In the maritime sector, connectivity ing system’s national capabilities. In the
is essential; however, although satel- field of next-generation optical satellite
lite-based connectivity is available, ter- communications, in 2020, the European
restrial telecommunications networks are Space Agency chose the Chelmos Obser-
often unavailable. Our Ministry is work- vatory, the largest telescope in Central
ing closely with all stakeholders, includ- and Eastern Europe, as the first Opti-
ing the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and cal Ground Station (OGS) of the ESA’s
Insular Policy, to provide space-based ScyLight (Secure and Laser communica-
connectivity. In addition, as announced tion technology) programme. Chelmos
by Minister Pierrakakis, the Ministry of will also be utilised under the European
Digital Governance is leading the devel- Union Quantum Communication Infra-
opment of a new national microsatellite structure (EuroQCI).
system for secure space-based connectiv- In 2021, two additional optical ground sta-
ity and earth observation to complement tions, Skinakas in Crete and Cholomon-
our Hellas Sat assets, responding to the das in Thessaloniki, were also preparing to
national need with various policies on become part of the EuroQCI initiative. Last
maritime, coast guard support, and island summer, I had the opportunity to witness
connectivity. We have recently connected the first time the Chelmos Observatory
several remote islands in the Greek ter- connected with the optical terminal of the
ritory via satellite with our national oper- Alphasat geostationary satellite.
ator to ensure the safety and security of Greece has hosted one of the Coper-
the country. nicus Collaborate Ground Segments at
It is reminded that since 2017, Greece the National Observatory of Athens since
has had a specific Space Law regulat- 2014. This centre allows the access, util-
ing space activities licensing and that isation, and management of specialised
a National Registry of Space Objects information provided by the EU Coper-
has been established. In 2020, Greece’s nicus Programme. As indicated in the
national policy objectives in the space country’s Digital Transformation Strat-
domain were laid down in a new digital egy, the centre will be further upgraded
law, which includes the following: to be at the forefront of the Big Data
1. strengthening national security era. Several presentations were made on
and defence, primarily through the this subject at the 1st Pytheas Maritime
exploitation and development of Space Forum.
space infrastructure, Thus, today Greece has a comprehen-
2. developing the national space indus- sive legal policy and strategy frame-
try, work, which supports and governs space
3. exploiting space data and develop- activities in Greece, coupled with spe-
ing related applications, and cific programmatic activities. We are
4. supporting research and innovation looking for complementarity and syn-
in the field of space-based technol- ergies between national, EU, and ESA
ogies. programmes to maximise benefits for
Furthermore, Greece’s Digital Transfor- our country. With the motto “Space as
mation Strategy for 2020-2025 describes an enabler of digital transformation”
specific actions that the government will and a step-by-step approach, Greece
undertake in the space domain in the fol- is enhancing its capabilities and util-
lowing years. Let me mention a couple of ising and expanding its infrastructures,
the activities we are currently working on. promoting a more efficient public sec-
I will begin with an update on the Govsat- tor and providing benefits to its citi-
com issue. As part of our plan’s implemen- zens and businesses in the digital era.
tation, during the visit of Commissioner Maritime and Insular Policy is one of
Thierry Breton to Greece, the Minister of the sectorial areas that can benefit from
Digital Governance Kyriakos Pierrakakis this digital transformation.
and the Minister of National Defense We build on the assets of the country
Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos offered to and the hard work and excellence of our
host in our country the European Gov- industry, research institutes, and aca-
satcom Hub, which will be based on demia. Together, we will lead Greece to
pooling and sharing the current operat- the new space era.

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