Successful launch of the first Greek satellite DUTHSat-2

The first Greek CubeSat satellite, DUTHSat-2, was successfully launched at 23:30 (local time in Greece) from Vandenberg Space Force Base in the USA on a SpaceX Falcon-9 rocket.

The 7 kg satellite was released into orbit at an altitude of 510 km and is part of the National Micro satellite Program supported by the European Space Agency (ESA).

DUTHSat-2, designed by the Democritus University of Thrace in collaboration with Greek companies, will be used for Earth observation, secure space communication, and providing information on soil moisture and marine pollution.

The Minister of Digital Governance, Dimitris Papastergiou, stated that the launch marks the beginning of the Greek presence in space and strengthens the country's capabilities in areas such as civil protection and environmental monitoring. Two more cubesats from Greek consortia are expected to launch in November.

The National Micro satellite Program is funded by the Recovery and Resilience Fund and aims to enhance Greece's innovation and technological autonomy.