Greece Launches Five Satellites in Historic Space Mission from California

Greece has launched five satellites from California’s Vandenberg Space Force Base. The mission marks a major step in the country’s National Microsatellite Program. Digital Governance Minister Dimitris Papastergiou declared that Greece’s presence in space is now a reality. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carried the satellites into orbit. Among them were two operational ICEYE radar satellites for civil protection and national security.

Three experimental units also joined the mission. These included two PHASMA satellites and one MICE-1, designed to test secure connectivity and Internet of Things applications. The programme received funding through the Recovery and Resilience Fund, with support from the European Space Agency. The launch strengthens Greece’s capabilities in space technology. It also advances the country’s efforts in satellite-based security and communication. The mission highlights growing European collaboration in space initiatives.