The Department of Aerospace Science and Technology of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) is a specialised academic and research department dedicated to aerospace engineering, space science and advanced space technologies. Its activities combine education with research in areas such as spacecraft systems, satellite technologies, propulsion, aerodynamics, remote sensing, space physics, embedded systems and mission design, supported by dedicated laboratories and clean-room infrastructure. The Department is also involved in practical space projects, including CubeSat and demonstration missions such as ERMIS, and maintains collaborations with organisations including the Hellenic Space Center, the National Observatory of Athens and the Hellenic Aerospace Industry, contributing directly to the development of Greece’s research, engineering and human-capital capabilities in the space sector.

The Applied Mechanics Laboratory (AML) is a leading research and technology-development unit at the Mechanical Engineering and Aeronautics Department of the University of Patras. Activities extend across: (i) design, analysis, and optimisation of structures—computational mechanics; (ii) materials and processes development; (iii) non-destructive testing & evaluation—structural health monitoring; (iv) advanced mate-rials characterisation & testing; (v) space and unmanned aerial systems. The laboratory specialises in the area of nanotechnology and advanced materials with a focus on the science, technology development, characterisation, and application of composite materials (e.g., polymers, ceramics), with a strong emphasis on their progressive damage under operational loads, the study of response and damage under dynamic loading (including ballistic, hypervelocity blast, and hail impact, ditching, crash landing), as well as crashworthiness and hardening using high strain rate material models. In addition, the lab works in the field of nano-modified thermosetting resins, elastomers, thermoplastics, and fibre-reinforced compo-sites. Nanocomposites have extensive use in the aviation, automotive, energy storage structures, space, defence, electronics (sensors), and building industries. AML has been awarded more than 100 highly competitive research and innovation projects). It has published scientific journals (785) and volumes (21) in world-recognised mediums. It has filed 12 national, European, and US patents, and founded 2 spin-off companies. AML has been involved in many R&D projects administered by ESA.

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.

The Control Systems Laboratory (CSL), which belongs to the School of Mechanical Engineering of the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), has years of recognised experience in mechanisms, robotics, and automation systems, including space robotic systems. The NTUA-CSL was established in 1981, and over the years, its central theme has been expanded to cover advanced automation technologies, encapsulating the long prior expertise of its staff in leading academic and industrial institutions of the European Union, Canada, and the U.S. It is an internationally recognised centre for R&D in robotic technologies, with worldwide international contacts in industry, government, and the EU. Current projects and interests are in the areas of space systems and space robotics, quadruped legged all-terrain robots, soft robotics, microrobots and micromechanisms, design and development of novel mechatronic systems, modelling and control of complex dynamical systems, real-time control systems, haptic devices and prostheses, emulator and simulator technologies, and aerial and underwater robotics.

The Composite and Smart Materials Laboratory (CSML) of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Ioannina conducts research and education in advanced composite materials and structures, with particular emphasis on multifunctional materials, smart structures, durability, fracture and fatigue, non-destructive evaluation, process monitoring and micro-/nano-composite manufacturing. Established in 2007, the Laboratory combines experimental mechanics, materials characterisation and sensing techniques to study structural performance and develop advanced composites with enhanced mechanical, electrical and thermoelectric properties. Within the space ecosystem, these capabilities are especially relevant to lightweight structures, multifunctional materials, structural health monitoring, advanced manufacturing and qualification of materials for demanding aerospace and space environments.

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.

The remote sensing group of the Department of Geography of Harokopio University of Athens (HUA) is named HUA Earth Observation Team and is not established as an official laboratory. The HUA Earth Observation Team is composed of geologists, geographers, and engineers. The main objective of research interest constitutes the use of space Earth Observation systems (more, specifically, SAR interferometry and very high spatial resolution remote sensing data for natural risks and disaster assessment, mitigation, and monitoring). The corresponding laboratory of geoinformatics is equipped with multiple high-performance workstations for extensive processing requirements.

The Section of Environmental Physics and Meteorology of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) is dynamically involved in the sector of space, as far as EO is concerned. It runs state of the art research in EO and has completed several projects based on the use of EO methodologies and data in sectors such as: urban environment, climate change, air and marine pollution, extreme weather events, nature management. Recently it has expanded its activities through the exploitation of EO data for climate change adaptation and mitigation plans, the integration of nature-based solutions in the urban environment and the development of smart tools for cities. In view of accomplishing its goals, the Section uses EO data from passive and active satellite sensors of varying spectral, spatial, and temporal resolutions depending on the application area. Its staff have the needed skills, tools and experience to handle all the different scientific and technical aspects of EO-related development projects. The Section collaborates on a constant basis with the European Environment Agency and has been an active member since 2005 of the ESA – China Dragon program. Furthermore, it is member of the ESA Copernicus Relay and Copernicus Academy networks.

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.

The Electromagnetic Theory Laboratory of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Democritus University of Thrace conducts teaching and research in electromagnetic fields, Maxwell equations, wave propagation and related electromagnetic phenomena. Its expertise is directly relevant to space and satellite systems through areas such as electromagnetic modelling, propagation effects, antenna-related studies, radio-frequency environments and the interaction of electromagnetic waves with space and terrestrial systems. The Laboratory forms part of the Department’s Telecommunications and Space Science Sector and contributes specialist scientific and engineering capabilities that are relevant to satellite communications, remote sensing, radio science and other space-enabled applications.

The Laboratory of Forest Management and Remote Sensing (FMRS) of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh) carries out research and educational activities in the fields of Forest Management and Remote Sensing. FMRS specialises in geospatial and EO applications in the broader fields of environmental monitoring and management of natural ecosystems, with particular emphasis on forestry and agroforestry. One of the main objectives of FMRS is the development of advanced methodologies and pre-operational/operational processing chains. FMRS R&D activities include the development of innovative methodologies and specialised EO Data analysis algorithms for forest fuel type mapping, automated burnt area mapping, biomass estimation, and vegetation, and biodiversity mapping. The unit has been participating in a large number of research projects funded by both the EU and the Greek state. The FMRS, in collaboration with the Hellenic Forest Service, has established two National Observatories that offer advanced services and products in the fields of forest and forest fire management. The FMRS has undertaken, as the prime contractor, the implementation of the Forest Monitoring Service which is part of the Greek National Satellite Space Project.

The Department of Geology of the University of Patras conducts education and research across Earth materials, general and marine geology, geodynamics, applied geology and geophysics. Its laboratories cover areas including geological mapping and photogeology, GIS and remote sensing, geophysics, seismology, hydrogeology, engineering geology, marine geology and physical oceanography. Within the space ecosystem, the Department is particularly relevant through its use of Earth Observation, satellite imagery, GIS, remote sensing and geodesy for geological mapping, terrain and geomorphological analysis, geohazard monitoring, tectonic and crustal-deformation studies, environmental assessment and natural-resource management.

The Laboratory of Hydrology and Water Resources Management of the School of Civil Engineering at the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) conducts research, education and applied studies in hydrological processes, water-resource assessment and management, extreme hydrological events such as floods and droughts, climate–water interactions, radar hydrology, hydroinformatics, GIS, and hydrological and meteorological data systems. The Laboratory operates specialised infrastructure including GIS facilities, hydrological and meteorological instrumentation, automatic weather stations, mobile measurement equipment and an experimental hydrological basin. Within the space ecosystem, its activities are particularly relevant to the integration of Earth Observation, satellite meteorological data, geospatial information and modelling for water-resource monitoring, flood and drought assessment, climate resilience and environmental decision support.

The Intelligent Communications and Broadband Networks Laboratory (ICBNet) of the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) conducts research and development in advanced telecommunications, distributed systems, mobile and broadband networks, cybersecurity and privacy, software and service engineering, artificial intelligence and next-generation wireless communications. More recently, its activities include efficient Edge AI, resource-constrained machine learning, 5G/6G systems and Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN), including radio-resource management and secure communications across integrated terrestrial and satellite infrastructures. Within the space ecosystem, ICBNet is therefore particularly relevant to satellite communications, 5G/6G–satellite integration, NTN architectures, AI-enabled onboard and edge processing, networking, cybersecurity and resilient communications.

The Intelligent Pervasive Systems (iPRISM) Research Group of the Department of Computer Science and Telecommunications at the University of Thessaly conducts research in artificial intelligence, applied and distributed machine learning, pervasive and edge computing, predictive intelligence, large-scale data management, IoT and cloud/edge systems. Its work also extends to Earth Observation and geospatial applications, including satellite-informed machine learning, coastline change detection, wildfire pollutant monitoring and other data-intensive environmental applications. Within the space ecosystem, iPRISM is particularly relevant as a downstream research group combining satellite-derived information with AI, edge intelligence and advanced data analytics to develop predictive and decision-support solutions.

The Laboratory of Geodesy of the School of Rural, Surveying and Geoinformatics Engineering at the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) conducts education, research and applied work in higher and physical geodesy, gravimetry, satellite geodesy, geodetic astronomy, topography, technical and industrial geodesy, geodetic metrology, hydrographic surveying, large-scale surveying and navigation. The Laboratory was formed through the merger of the former Higher Geodesy and General Geodesy laboratories and supports research programmes, scientific collaborations, data collection and processing, and specialised technical studies. Within the space ecosystem, its expertise is particularly relevant to satellite geodesy, precise positioning and navigation, reference systems, Earth monitoring and the exploitation of space-based measurements for geophysical and surveying applications.

The Laboratory of Atmospheric Physics—University of Patras (LAPUP) undertakes educational and research activities related to Physics of the Atmosphere, Meteorology, Climatology, and Environmental Physics. It offers a postgraduate program in applied meteorology and environmental physics with the main purpose of providing its graduates the knowledge and practical tools for their future professional occupation. LAPUP is active on the following basic research axes: Solar energy resource and forecasting, Aerosol and cloud optical properties, Weather and atmospheric pollution monitoring and modelling, Weather extremes/climate effects and early warning for epidemics, Air pollution models, particulate matter measurements. LAPUP is a member of the Copernicus Academy network. LAPUP is a member of SPACE4GEO, the Large-scale Skills Partnership for the downstream segment of the space economy dedicated to data, services, and applications promoted under the EC initiative Pact for Skills, aiming to promote the upskilling and reskilling of the workforce while also attracting new talent to the downstream space and geoinformation sector .LAPUP is an associate member of NEREUS, aiming to promote the use of space and its applications for European regions and their citizens. LAPUP activities include the use of satellite remote sensing in the implementation of international and national research programs and the provision of services for the estimation and forecasting of weather, solar resources, and air pollution in high spatial and temporal scales.