Greece’s first astronaut, Adrianos Golemis, a medical doctor, preparing to travel to the International Space Station

Greece in space exploration, with the country’s first astronaut preparing to travel to the International Space Station (ISS). Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced the upcoming mission during his visit to Paris, where he attended the International Space Summit hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron.

The astronaut selected for the mission is Adrianos Golemis, a medical doctor and European Space Agency (ESA) reserve astronaut. He is expected to become the first Greek national to travel into orbit as part of the international PAM-6 mission. Mitsotakis described the announcement as a major moment for Greece and highlighted the years of demanding training behind the achievement.

The announcement also reflects Greece’s growing involvement in European space activities. During his meetings with Macron, Mitsotakis discussed strengthening cooperation between Greece and France in science, technology and space policy. The two leaders emphasised the importance of European technological independence and greater investment in strategic space capabilities.

The International Space Summit in Paris focused on several major challenges and opportunities facing Europe. Among them were the expansion of the global space economy, the development of advanced scientific research and the use of satellite data to monitor climate change and respond to natural disasters. Space security and the protection of satellite infrastructure were also highlighted as increasingly important areas of European cooperation.

Greece is simultaneously developing its own space capabilities through the National Microsatellite Programme, which is supported by more than €350 million from the European Recovery and Resilience Facility. The programme aims to strengthen Greece’s capacity to design, manufacture and launch small satellites for applications including secure communications, maritime surveillance and emergency response.

The planned mission therefore represents more than a symbolic achievement. It marks Greece’s growing ambition to participate actively in cutting-edge scientific research and the international space economy.