Six nanosatellites were successfully deployed into orbit aboard a SpaceX launch on 3 May 2026 at 10:26 a.m., with contributions from the Department of Aerospace Science and Technology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.
The ‘Hellenic Space Dawn’ mission, led by EMTECH SPACE, includes two of the nanosatellites and focuses on advancing laser-based optical communications, as well as Earth observation applications for precision agriculture and climate monitoring. The University of Athens is contributing to the mission through the development of space technology applications, as well as satellite validation and testing at its aerospace facilities.
The remaining four nanosatellites were launched in collaboration with OroraTech and are equipped with advanced sensors for early wildfire detection. They form part of the Hellenic Fire System mission, supported by the University’s Department of Aerospace Science and Technology.
The launch was carried out using a Falcon 9 rocket (https://www.spacex.com/launches/cas500-2).
Both missions are conducted under the oversight of the European Space Agency and are supported by the Greek Ministry of Digital Governance, with funding provided through the European Recovery and Resilience Facility.
