EMTECH SPACE, the prime contractor for the Hellenic Space Dawn (HSD) mission under the Greek CubeSat In-orbit Validation Programme managed by ESA, has selected the EnduroSat CubeSat platform as the key infrastructure for its groundbreaking satellite project. This collaboration marks a major milestone for Greece’s expanding space capabilities, with EMTECH SPACE and EnduroSat aiming to leverage advanced space technologies to validate cutting-edge systems in orbit. This mission is set to propel Greece’s presence in the global space sector, highlighting the country’s commitment to innovation and satellite technology development.The selected CubeSat platform incorporates highly reliable components with proven flight heritage, including two 8U structures, an On-Board Computer with GNSS for precise navigation, an electrical power system supported by large batteries and advanced solar panels for satellite power generation, an S-band transceiver for communication, and an X-band transmitter for data transmission. This robust combination ensures the CubeSat’s operational effectiveness and reliability throughout the mission.
The Hellenic Space Dawn Mission aims to validate Greek space technologies both in orbit and on the ground, enhancing the country’s space capabilities and fostering international collaborations with organizations like ESA, which has backed seven Greek CubeSat missions – developed by small and medium-sized companies and universities – since 2023 through the Greek National Small Satellite Programme. The mission involves a two-satellite constellation and a comprehensive ground segment, consisting of optical and RF (S/X-band) ground stations, a mission control system at EMTECH premises, and a Payload Data Ground Segment utilizing secure cloud technologies. The mission promotes secure high-speed optical communication between satellite and ground, as well as secure inter-satellite RF communication. Furthermore, it enables various Earth Observation applications, such as ship detection, coastal flood monitoring, and agriculture. Key features include near real-time response, high image resolution, and on-board image processing.
EMTECH SPACE S.A. is proud to lead a robust collaboration with leading Greek SMEs and academic institutions for the mission. Integrated Systems Development (ISD S.A.) oversees payload development, provides microelectronic integrated circuits and high-performance EDGE processing modules, and manages AIT/AIV activities. HERON Engineering handles mechanical engineering aspects, while Geosystems Hellas develops Earth Observation applications and the Payload Data Ground Segment. Aristotle University of Thessaloniki offers expertise in system simulations and CubeSat missions, and National Kapodistrian University of Athens supports onboard processing for image compression algorithms. The Hellenic Naval Academy contributes to optical communication experiment simulations.
Nikolaos-Antonios Livanos, Founder and Managing Director of EMTECH SPACE S.A., remarked, “We are excited to embark on this pivotal collaboration with EnduroSat, particularly for such a critical mission. Our decision to select the EnduroSat CubeSat platform was strategic, aimed at minimizing risk by using a proven, flight-ready solution from a trusted partner. This partnership not only reinforces our confidence in the project’s success but also strengthens our ongoing relationship with EnduroSat, as we work together to advance Greece’s role in space technology.”
EMTECH SPACE S.A.’s strategy reaches far beyond the immediate scope of the HSD mission, with a clear vision to become a prominent operator in future CubeSat missions, catering to both Greek and international partners. To realize this goal, the company is actively cultivating robust partnerships with key players in the global CubeSat market. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and established expertise from collaborators such as EnduroSat, EMTECH SPACE positions itself to deliver reliable, high-performance CubeSat missions that meet the growing demand for satellite services across sectors such as telecommunications, Earth observation, and scientific research. On the other side, this partnership opens doors to future projects and solidifies Endurosat’s reputation as a go-to provider for innovative and flight-proven satellite constellations. Together, the two companies are well-positioned to support the growing space ambitions of Greece and beyond.
“It is a pleasure for us to collaborate with EMTECH and assist them in their mission to validate Greek space technologies both in orbit and on the ground, strengthening Greece’s space capabilities” commented Raycho Raychev , Founder and Chief Executive Officer at EnduroSat. “This is a very exciting project, and we are thrilled that they have entrusted us with the CubeSat Bus of the HSD mission.”
About EMTECH SPACE S.A.
EMTECH SPACE S.A., based in Athens, Greece, specializes in two key sectors: space applications and energy smart-grids. With roots dating back to 2008, EMTECH has been a key player in various space technology domains, achieving TRL9 status in spacecraft simulators’ modelling and infrastructure, Independent Software Verification and Validation (ISVV), and magnetic measurement and modelling facilities for spacecraft magnetic cleanliness applications. Noteworthy collaborators include prominent entities such as the European Space Agency (ESA), AIRBUS, Telespazio, Altec, and THALES Alenia Space, among others, in a range of European space missions and projects. EMTECH stands as a founding member of the Hellenic Space Technologies & Applications Cluster (si-cluster) and actively participates in esteemed organizations such as the Hellenic Association of Space Industry (HASI), and the Hellenic Manufacturers of Defense Material Association (SEKPY).
About ENDUROSAT
EnduroSat designs, builds, and operates exceptional satellites, streamlining space missions in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and beyond. The company manages every step from mission design to launch and operations, serving over 300 customers globally and employing more than 200 space professionals across six locations worldwide.
About ESA’s ARTES Partnership Projects programme
The Partnership Projects programme line of ESA’s Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES) drives innovation by federating ambitious large-scale, long-term collaborations between ESA, private companies, and satellite operators. The programme establishes ESA as a key partner in developing major satellite communication systems, new value-adding solutions and services, and providing in-orbit validation. It focuses on substantial, industry-shaping initiatives that require significant investment spanning over several years.
By closely aligning technological ambition with commercial strategy, ARTES Partnership Projects enable European and Canadian organisations to push the boundaries of satellite communications and strengthen their competitiveness on the global market.
Learn more at https://connectivity.esa.int/partnership-projects
Programme of the European Union – Next GenerationEU
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