Cleaner airwaves and safer seas will be soon possible thanks to the launch of three small Greek satellites. Supported by the European Space Agency (ESA), satellites of the PHASMA and MICE-1 missions launched on 28 November, where they will demonstrate new capabilities in radio frequencies usage and maritime tracking from space.

PHASMA

PHASMA mission’s two satellites – launched from the Vandenberg Air Force Base in California – will map undeclared use of the ultra-high and the S-band frequencies. As demand for these frequencies grows, detecting unauthorized transmissions can support national authorities in managing this limited resource more efficiently, ensuring reliable services like satellite TV, GPS, and mobile networks. By monitoring how frequencies are used from space, the mission contributes to better organization and fair access to the radio spectrum.

The two satellites, named LAMARR and DIRAC, will be the first-ever Greek CubeSat constellation of satellites, which will work together to accomplish their mission. Created with an open-source philosophy by the Libre Space Foundation, the satellites offer open access to their source code and technology.

MICE-1

The Maritime Identification and Communication systEm (MICE-1), developed by Prisma Electronic’s, will specifically boost maritime tracking in the Mediterranean Sea.

Launched on board SpaceX’s Transporter 15 mission, the satellite will have an antenna and receiver for the automated identification system, namely the ‘tag’ ships use to be identified. It will also have a LAROS system transceiver (a device that receives and transmits signals), developed by the same company, which ensures secure communications between ships, or other critical infrastructure, and the satellite. This transceiver will receive data about the health status of various systems on board each ship, which is tracked and centralised using the LAROS system.

About CubeSats

These three Greek satellites are all 3U CubeSats, small enough to fit inside a carry-on suitcase. CubeSats are small satellites made of 10 cm cubic blocks, known as units or U. CubeSats can therefore vary in size depending on how many units the have.

Developed initially in 1999 for educational purposes, CubeSats have become a strategic choice for companies trying to enter the space economy. Their size makes them cost effective platforms for science research, education, technological demonstrations and space startups.

ESA’s Greek Connectivity programme

LAMARR, DIRAC and MICE-1 join DUTHSat-2, launched early this year, as part of the ESA-supported Greek In Orbit demonstration programme. There are still 4 missions, including 7 satellites that are expected to launch in February of 2026.

These satellite launches mark a significant step forward for Greece’s satellite communications capabilities and its growing space industry. The Greek National Small Satellite programme is executed under the auspices of the Hellenic Ministry of Digital Governance with the support of the General Secretariat of Telecommunications and Posts and the Hellenic Space Center. It is part of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan ‘Greece 2.0’, which is funded by the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), core programme of the European Union’s NextGenerationEU.

Frédéric Rouesnel, Greek Connectivity RRF Project Manager at ESA, said: “The successful launch of PHASMA and MICE-1 is a strong testimony of Greece’s growing role in the European space community. Through these missions, we inspire the next generation of engineers and scientists, and prove how focused innovation from space can improve life here on Earth.”

“This is another successfully achieved milestone for the Greek microsatellite program under implementation. Our goal is to continue these investments and support the Greek ecosystem to innovate, develop and deploy space technology as well as end-to-end space systems and missions” said Konstantinos Karantzalos, Secretary General, Hellenic Ministry of Digital Governance and AI.

“Both PHASMA satellites have successfully launched into orbit, marking a significant milestone for the PHASMA mission. The Commissioning phase is about to begin, demonstrating advanced space science and small satellite innovation.” said Andreas Ampatzoglou, project manager of the PHASMA mission.

“The launch of MICE-1 marks a new chapter for Greek Space technology and highlights the active participation of Prisma Electronics in demanding pace activities. It is the culmination of many years of effort, cooperation, and dedication by the Prisma Electronics team, transforming an ambitious idea into a tangible achievement. A dream that becomes reality thanks to funding from Greece 2.0, the Greek Government, and the European Commission under the guidance of the Ministry of Digital Governance and ESA.

“MICE-1 is notably the first Greek nanosatellite designed for operational use. The mission is a pioneering collaboration between a Greek company and a Greek academic institution, the Democritus University of Thrace. This project symbolizes Greece’s ability to innovate, collaborate, and provide impactful solutions, particularly in sectors such as shipping and environmental monitoring. The effort contributes to modern surveillance of critical infrastructures.

“Prisma Electronics expresses pride in contributing to the European space endeavor, aiming to bring Greece closer to space and support a more sustainable future in Maritime and to Critical Infrastructures. The initiative reflects a commitment to advancing technological capabilities and addressing environmental challenges through space technology for a safer planet to people and assets,” said Christos Giordamlis, Managing Director of Prisma Electronics.

Source: ESA