Greece Launches Two High-Resolution Radar Satellites to Boost Disaster Management and National Security

Greece has successfully launched two new high-resolution radar satellites as part of its commitment to enhancing disaster management, environmental monitoring, and national security. This initiative comes through a partnership involving the Greek government, private satellite firm ICEYE, and the European Space Agency (ESA). The satellites were deployed into orbit on November 28, 2025, during the SpaceX Transporter-15 rideshare mission originating from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. This launch also included other scientific satellites, highlighting Greece’s growing presence in space technology.

These two synthetic aperture radar satellites, each weighing approximately 120 kilograms, represent the first operational satellites in Greece’s National Small Satellite Programme, which aims to deploy a total of 13 satellites. Funded by the EU’s Recovery and Resilience Facility, this program is set to boost the country’s satellite technology, create job opportunities, and improve its capabilities for monitoring natural disasters and safeguarding national security.

The initiative is being led by the Hellenic Space Center in collaboration with the Greek Ministry of Digital Governance, while the ESA provides support in navigating broader frameworks for Earth’s observational data sharing among member states. The new ICEYE satellites are equipped with advanced X-band technology, allowing for high-resolution imaging with a clarity of up to 25 centimeters, regardless of time or weather conditions. These features will significantly enhance Greece’s ability to respond to natural disasters like floods and wildfires effectively.

Under an agreement with ICEYE, the company will be responsible for operating these satellites in orbit, granting Greece access to ICEYE’s comprehensive satellite constellation – which is recognized as the largest of its kind globally. This partnership not only facilitates immediate monitoring capabilities but also aids Greece in developing its own space infrastructure.

Simonetta Cheli, ESA’s Director of Earth Observation Programmes, noted that this collaboration reflects ESA’s ongoing support for member nations’ space initiatives, emphasizing how space technology can lead to essential advancements on Earth. Dimitrios Papastergiou, Greece’s Minister of Digital Governance and AI, praised the launch as a pivotal moment for the country, significantly bolstering Greece’s ability to monitor both terrestrial and maritime regions effectively.

Looking ahead, the Greek National Small Satellite Programme plans to expand its satellite fleet further, with an additional eleven satellites set to launch next year. This expansion will include four thermal-infrared satellites designed to monitor wildfires and other thermal events, alongside seven high-resolution optical satellites intended for environmental surveillance, agricultural monitoring, and urban planning. This growing constellation promises to solidify Greece’s position in the field of space observation and enhance its response capabilities to emerging challenges.