ATHENS, Greece: ICEYE, the global leader in synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite technology, has taken a significant step in strengthening its presence in Greece by inaugurating a new office and satellite assembly production line in Athens. This expansion aligns closely with Greece’s ambitious National Satellite Space Program, particularly the “Axis 1.2” initiative, which aims to develop a sovereign Greek SAR space segment in partnership with the Hellenic Space Agency and the Ministry of Digital Governance.
Announced in September 2024, Axis 1.2 is a cornerstone of Greece’s national space strategy, focusing on deploying two ICEYE SAR satellites to form a Greek Observation System. Beyond these sovereign satellites, Greece will gain access to ICEYE’s extensive constellation of 44 SAR satellites, providing the country with continuous, all-weather, day-and-night Earth observation capabilities.
This collaboration not only enhances Greece’s monitoring and intelligence capabilities but also marks a milestone in the development of the country’s space industry ecosystem. ICEYE’s decision to establish a satellite production line in Athens is expected to create new jobs and foster a local talent pool skilled in advanced satellite technologies.
Rafal Modrzewski, CEO and Co-founder of ICEYE, emphasized the strategic importance of Greece in the company’s regional expansion, “We are very proud of the commencement of our operations in Greece, a strategic hub for ICEYE’s expansion in South Eastern Europe. We very much look forward to strengthening our collaboration with the Greek space industry and to accelerating its growth. We announced our collaboration with the Hellenic Space Agency and the Ministry of Digital Governance last year, and we continue to build on the success of that project.”
The new Athens facilities include a state-of-the-art satellite assembly production line, which will not only support the construction of the two Greek sovereign SAR satellites but also serve as a foundation for long-term growth in Greece’s space sector. ICEYE’s investment in infrastructure and talent development is designed to position Greece as a regional hub for space technology and innovation.
Vasilis Chaloulakos, Head of ICEYE Greece, highlighted the company’s commitment to nurturing local expertise, “We are working hard to set a solid foundation in Greece to guarantee our future success and more in-country investment. ICEYE is one of the most promising companies in the world, and we want to leverage that to promote the Greek ecosystem into the center of the European space industry.”
The company’s growth strategy includes establishing a Centre of Excellence in Greece to harness local scientific and engineering talent, leverage advanced technologies, and tap into the potential of the Greek market. This initiative aims to expand employment opportunities for Greek scientists and engineers, fostering innovation and expertise in the country’s nascent space industry.
ICEYE operates the world’s largest commercial SAR satellite constellation, providing unparalleled persistent monitoring capabilities that enable detection and response to changes anywhere on Earth with unmatched speed and accuracy. Unlike optical satellites, SAR satellites use radar pulses to capture high-resolution images regardless of weather conditions or lighting, making them invaluable for continuous Earth observation.
By providing near real-time, objective insights, ICEYE empowers decision-makers to respond effectively to natural disasters, security threats, and environmental changes, enhancing community resilience and sustainable development.
Founded in 2014 as a spin-off from Aalto University in Finland, ICEYE has grown rapidly and now operates internationally with offices across Europe, the United States, Australia, Japan, and the Middle East. The company employs over 700 people worldwide, united by the vision of becoming the global source of truth in Earth observation.
The expansion in Greece marks a key milestone in ICEYE’s global growth and reflects the company’s strategy to deepen its presence in strategically important markets. The recent meeting of ICEYE’s Board of Directors in Athens, coinciding with the office inauguration, underscored the significance of Greece for the company’s future development and provided an opportunity to engage with local partners and clients.
Greece’s National Microsatellite Programme, funded through the country’s €130 million recovery and resilience plan (Greece 2.0), aims to strengthen the nation’s space capabilities and foster innovation. Alongside ICEYE’s SAR satellites, other contracts have been awarded to companies such as OroraTech, which will provide thermal infrared satellites, and Open Cosmos, tasked with delivering optical multispectral and hyperspectral satellites.
This comprehensive approach ensures Greece will have a diverse and capable satellite fleet, supporting a broad spectrum of Earth observation needs. The integration of ICEYE’s SAR technology into this framework enhances Greece’s ability to monitor critical areas under any weather or lighting conditions, a capability vital for national security, environmental protection, and disaster management.
ICEYE’s investment in Greece goes beyond satellite production; it represents a long-term commitment to building a sustainable space technology ecosystem in the region. By fostering local talent, investing in cutting-edge infrastructure, and collaborating closely with national agencies, ICEYE is helping to position Greece as a key player in the European and global space sectors.
As the company prepares to launch the two Greek SAR satellites and deliver continuous data from its constellation, Greece stands to benefit from enhanced situational awareness and a strengthened technological base. This partnership exemplifies how commercial space companies and national governments can work together to drive innovation, economic growth, and security in the rapidly evolving space economy.
