All Space Systems & Subsystems

Akronic – Akron Integrated Circuits P.C. is a Greek IC design house established in 2015 and specialised in custom RF/mmWave and analog/mixed-signal integrated circuits in CMOS and BiCMOS technologies, covering frequencies from DC to above 100 GHz. The company serves telecom, automotive, IoT and aerospace markets and provides services ranging from system architecture and individual IC blocks to complete turnkey radio solutions. Its space-related activity is particularly relevant to satellite communications and RF payload/terminal electronics: Akronic developed the SARROSI (Satellite Radio Transmitter on Silicon) project, producing a 28 GHz millimetre-wave integrated circuit for satellite telecommunications, and its broader capabilities in RF/mmWave transceivers, synthesizers, LNAs, mixers, power amplifiers and high-frequency IC integration are directly applicable to Satcom and spaceborne or ground-segment radio systems.

The Circuits and Systems (CAS) Lab of the University of Thessaly has as a core mission is to push the boundaries of research and education in the fields of Analog, Digital, and RF Circuits and Systems, with a strong emphasis on innovative solutions for challenges in modern electronics and hardware design. Equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure, including CAD tools and equipment for prototyping, charac-terization, and testing of microelectronic circuits and systems, the lab also has access to foundries for in-tegrated circuit fabrication. The CAS Lab comprises two primary research groups: (i) AMS/RF Design Group: Focuses on designing Analog and RF Integrated Circuits (ICs) and developing Artificial Intelligence techniques for Hardware Security; (ii) EDA Tools Group: Specializes in developing computer-aided design (CAD) tools for the characterization and design of IC components and circuits.

Research interests include hydrodynamics and heat/mass transport in multiphase systems (bubbles and droplet flows in liquids), materials physicochemical characterisation (non-Newtonian rheological/viscosity, surface and interfacial tension, wettability/surface energy, thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, heat capacity, structural characterisation, roughness, and coherence of foams, emulsions, and biofilms, etc.), innovative electrical diagnostics, water and wastewater quality monitoring and treatment, computational fluid dynamics, etc. Has coordinated or participated in more than 100 international (including 25 ESA) and national research projects. Additionally, the members are highly experienced in low gravity research. Specifically, researchers have: a) participated in 2 experiments performed onboard the International Space Station (RUBI: Reference Multiscale Boiling Experiment and PASTA: Particle Stabilised Emulsions and Foams) and b) studied experimentally heat transfer and bubbles/drops dynamics under zero gravity conditions, participating in 10 ESA Parabolic Flight Campaigns.

Circuits Integrated Hellas is on the path of revolutionizing SATCOM semiconductor connectivity. With a unique and disruptive technology proposition, Circuits Integrated Hellas empowers Next Gen Phased Arrays. The Phased Arrays market for SATCOM is currently ~5bn Euros and is expected to reach 10bn Eu-ros by 2032. Additional similar use cases, such as 5G/6G and defence, triple the potentially reachable mar-ket. Circuits Integrated Hellas aspires to become a leading fabless chip supplier of 3D Si and GaN/GaAs-based designs for the SATCOM industry, disrupting legacy products.

The Digital Systems and Computer Architecture Laboratory (DSCAL) of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) serves R&D and educational activities on the design and architecture of computer systems, the interactions between HW and SW on performance, energy/power, and reliability for high-performance and embedded systems, covering microprocessors, HW accelerators, memory systems, GPUs, FPGAs and ASICs. The faculty members serve the Department of Informatics and Telecommunications (DIT) and the Department of Aerospace Science and Technology (DAST) of NKUA. The DSCAL Space Technologies R&D activities focus on On-board Data Systems (Payload Data Processing). DSCAL has developed high performance HW accelerators (as IP cores) targeting space-grade and COTS FPGAs and implementing CCSDS recommended standards. DSCAL members participate in the CCSDS Space Link Service Multispectral and Hyperspectral Data Compression (SLS-MHDC) Working Group, providing feedback to the WG in HW implementation issues.

The Dionysos Satellite Observatory (DSO) of the School of Rural, Surveying and Geoinformatics Engineering at the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) is one of Greece’s key research infrastructures in space geodesy, satellite positioning and geodetic reference systems. Established in the late 1960s, it supports research and education in GNSS, satellite geodesy, crustal deformation, reference frames, tide-gauge monitoring and Earth dynamics. DSO operates a permanent GNSS network across southern Greece, contributes geodetic solutions to European reference-frame activities such as EUREF, and hosts specialised satellite geodesy infrastructure. Within the space ecosystem, its capabilities are directly relevant to precise positioning, navigation and timing, Earth observation geodesy, ground-segment infrastructure and monitoring of geophysical processes using satellite measurements.

The Electronics Laboratory – ECE, AUTH has the following basic research areas: Testing of analog / mixed-signal / digital circuits. High frequency measurements (RF measurements). Design methodologies and technologies for 2.5D and 3D integrated systems. 3D ICs modelling and testing. Design and development of subsystems and systems for space missions with emphasis on micro- and nanosatellites. Modelling and design techniques for beyond-CMOS non-volatile technologies (e.g., spintronics). Development of IoT systems for monitoring natural phenomena. Development of electronic circuits and systems for biomedical applications. Development of IoT systems for measurements in agricultural applications.

ELFON is a Greek manufacturer of wiring harnesses, cabling and electromechanical assemblies for the Space, Defence and Aerospace industries. Established in 1975, the company serves major system integrators and other organisations developing complex, high-reliability systems, acting both as a specialised manufacturer and, where required, as an integrator and project coordinator. ELFON has built a strong heritage in space-flight hardware manufacturing through participation in major ESA science missions and commercial space projects, including PLATO and FLEX, alongside extensive experience in defence and aeronautics programmes. Its capabilities cover build-to-print and build-to-spec production, flight-control and EMI-shielded harnesses, fibre-optic assemblies, EGSE cabling and related electromechanical integration. Supported by certified manufacturing processes, controlled production facilities and an established network of qualified subcontractors, ELFON operates at TRL 9 for mature production capabilities and supplies mission-critical hardware to leading European and international aerospace and defence customers.

The Embedded Systems Lab is specialised in the design of reliable embedded systems, and, in particular, in the development of HW- and SW-based methodologies for the validation, testing, and fault-tolerance of embedded systems with an emphasis on embedded processors and Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs). Relevant research interests of the team are FDIR methodologies for critical (space) applications (Radiation effects analysis in FPGAs, SoCs, and CPUs; SEE characterisation with fault injection and radiation experiments; SEE mitigation approaches); Microprocessor reliability (Functional testing of embedded processors and SoCs; Fault-tolerant processors for mission-critical applications); HW security for embedded systems, FPGAs, and ICs (EDA tools for HW Security; Side Channel Analysis & Fault Injection attacks). The activities of the lab include R&D projects; consulting to industry on modelling, design, validation, and testing of embedded systems for critical applications; publications in top conferences and major transactions/journals; participation in organising and technical program committees of international design and test technology conferences; master courses for the design, modelling, validation, and testing of embedded systems; PhD research in embedded systems technology topics; and graduate and undergraduate theses on subjects related to the design and testing of embedded systems.

ES SYSTEMS, an IoT sensor manufacturing company, delivers high-quality and innovative sensor solu-tions based on micro-electronics and emerging technologies. Our IoT sensors and systems produced via qualified industrial processes can measure pressure, gas flow, and temperature. Combining multiple discipline capabilities, ES SYSTEMS delivers technologically advanced sensor solutions in a fast and effi-cient way moving from the concept to prototyping to full production. Our flexibility and dedication ensure a high-end custom-made product, within a limited time frame, ready to be used on any application with-out additional modifications. ES SYSTEMS is employed in sophisticated control and monitoring applica-tions in the industrial, medical, and aerospace markets, either as standalone components or being inte-grated within the equipment. Our products for the space market are mainly focused on electrical and chemical propulsion subsystems and, more specifically, on pressure transducers for gauging the static pressure of the satellites’ propellant tanks.

FERON TECHNOLOGIES is a Greek technology SME specialising in advanced wireless communications, software-defined radio, IoT and next-generation network solutions. Founded in 2015, the company develops and integrates technologies for 4G/5G, V2X and device-to-device communications, radio-access network monitoring, private and emergency communication networks, connected mobility and IoT applications. Its capabilities in resilient communications, network optimisation, SDR implementations and secure connectivity are particularly relevant to the space ecosystem in areas such as satellite–terrestrial network integration, ground communications, emergency-response connectivity and future non-terrestrial networks

The Institute of Astrophysics (IA) at FORTH began its journey in 2019 and is the only research institute in Greece devoted exclusively to Astrophysics. It builds on nearly three decades of highly successful research activity by the astrophysics group within the Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser (IESL) of Department of Physics of the University of Crete. Its goal is to understand the cosmos, and to have tremendous fun while doing so. Its work focuses on some of the most persistent open questions of theoretical and observational astrophysics, and in the process it trains the next generation of scientists and engineers for careers in astrophysics and beyond. The institute works within the strongly multidisciplinary environment of FORTH, building strategic international partnerships and acting as a home or meeting point for outstanding researchers from around the world. It gives back through outreach, education, innovation, and joint and mutually beneficial projects with the local authorities and the private sector.

The Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas (FORTH) is by far the most successful experimental research centre in Greece. The Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser (IESL) is the largest (180 personnel) of its six institutes. In a 2014 evaluation of all Greek research institutes, it was ranked at the top, being the only institute to be given the maximum possible score on all criteria evaluated. In the research activities at IESL, particular emphasis is placed on fundamental research and the involvement in high-technology areas. The institute is centred around five subject areas: Lasers and Applications, Materials (polymers, electronic, magnetic, and photonic materials), Microelectronics, Environment, and Theoretical/Computational Physics and Chemistry. Emphasis is placed on both fundamental research and the development of high technology. On the technological side, there is the development of novel industrial and medical applications of lasers and optoelectronic systems. In addition, there is a significant technological expertise in the use of lasers for the preservation of cultural heritage. IESL-FORTH has realised and/or managed more than 500 industrial and/or biomedical projects, including several RTD EC projects. FORTH has successfully concluded several contracts with ESA. The OBST project (OBST-ESA Contract No. 4000112744/14/NL/PA) has been successfully completed in April 2018, where a TRL3 fibre splitting module demonstrator breadboard, as specified by ESA, was successfully manufactured.

The Institute of Informatics & Telecommunications (IIT) of the National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos” is a major Greek research institute active in informatics, telecommunications, artificial intelligence and next-generation networks, with particular emphasis on AI and 6G technologies. Its research groups combine fundamental and applied research across intelligent information systems, communications, networking, cybersecurity, data technologies and digital services, participating extensively in national and European R&D programmes. Within the space ecosystem, IIT is particularly relevant through its work on satellite and non-terrestrial communications, antennas and RF technologies, AI-enabled communications and networking, including ESA projects such as deployable satellite antenna developments.

Integrated Systems Development S.A. (ISD) is an independent organisation developing Integrated Sys-tems of guaranteed quality and performance. The company works with system houses, SW houses, and integrated circuit manufacturers and acts as a broad-based original electronic equipment developer and integrator. ISD is heavily involved in systems design, digital signal processing for embedded/stand-alone applications, as well as PCB design and system integration. ISD is a turnkey solution provider han-dling all aspects of product definition, design, development, documentation, production, and support. The company has its headquarters in Maroussi, with branches in Glyka Nera and Heraklion (Greece). Interna-tionally, ISD has a presence in Grenoble (France), Torino (Italy), and Cork (Ireland). ISD is active in defence and space applications. ISD has been involved with space activities since 2007.

The Industrial Systems Institute (ISI) is a leading R&D institute of excellence conducting basic research and exploratory development on ICT. ISI was established in Patras, Greece, as a non-profit research organisation, operating today under the auspices of the General Secretariat for Research & Innovation. Since 2003, ISI has been part of the Athena Research Centre (ARC) as one of its four core research institutes. Its main research areas are: Intelligent Systems & Robotics, Networked Embedded Systems and Real-Time Systems, Production Systems, Processes, and Enterprise Interoperability, Enterprise Information Systems, Security and Protection of Systems, Networks, and Infrastructures, Advanced Materials & Structures.

KENOTOM focuses on providing embedded engineering services. KENOTOM is active in sectors such as automotive, industrial automation, biomedical, aviation, and space. Its main clients come from the auto-motive sector. For a decade now, the company has been working with some of the biggest Tier-1 automo-tive suppliers and, more recently, with one OEM. Its approach to innovation and quality is centred on con-tinuous improvement and adherence to industry standards. KENOTOM is committed to delivering cutting-edge solutions that meet the highest benchmarks.

LÈΩ Space Photonics R&D (LEO-SPRD) is a fabless designer and developer of high-performance optical interconnect solutions, predominantly for space as well as diverse harsh environment applications. The company’s optical interconnect transceiver chipsets are designed according to radiation-hardened IC de-sign processes and fabricated within high-end European semiconductor foundries. The products are speci-fied to meet stringent system SWaP (size, weight & power) requirements of modern photonics-enabled very high throughput satellite communication payloads.

Loctio is disrupting the positioning capabilities of IoT devices by combining two technology approach-es. It fuses multiple positioning signals like GNSS, LEO PNT & 5G and migrates the computationally inten-sive calculations to the Cloud or Edge. In this manner, accurate, ubiquitous, secure, and ultra-low power positioning allows the deployment of numerous IoT devices. Now this is not impossible due to power and processing resources limitations. This will be offered as a Location as a Service (LaaS) framework. Loctio’s business pertains to the financially prosperous low-power asset tracking market that yielded €4.5B in rev-enues during 2019 and is projected to reach €30B by 2029. Moreover, the outlook foresees more than 550M low-power asset trackers operating in the field in the same year. Loctio is willing to make available its LaaS framework through subscriptions to logistics, mobility/transportation, surveillance, utilities, and insurance companies deploying millions of IoT devices that need accurate, secure, and ubiquitous outdoor and indoor positioning without sacrificing battery longevity. Hence, recurring revenues from the LaaS comprise the prime revenue stream that is anticipated to bring in tens of millions of revenues after 2024.

The Laboratory of Thermal Turbomachines (LTT) of the School of Mechanical Engineering at the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) conducts research, education and industrial collaboration in turbomachinery, gas turbines, jet propulsion, aerodynamics, computational fluid dynamics, engine modelling, performance monitoring and fault diagnostics. Its facilities include low- and high-speed turbomachinery test rigs, advanced flow-measurement instrumentation and diagnostic systems, while its research covers real-time engine models, probabilistic and AI-assisted diagnostics, aerodynamic optimisation and aircraft-engine health monitoring. Within the space ecosystem, LTT is particularly relevant to propulsion-system modelling, turbomachinery for aerospace applications, UAV and aircraft engine testing, high-speed aerodynamics, condition monitoring and technologies that can support future space propulsion and flight systems.