The Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC), in collaboration with COSPAR (Committee on Space Research) and the Cyprus Space Exploration Organisation (CSEO), have hosted the Space Generation - SG [Cyprus], the first national event of its kind, at the Cyprus Space Research & Innovation Centre (CSEO) in Nicosia.
The one-day event, which took place on Sunday, 2 November brought together students, researchers, young professionals, and international space leaders for a day of discussions, workshops, and networking sessions focused on innovation and the evolving role of Cyprus in the European and global space community.
According to the organisers, House Speaker Annita Demetriou took the opportunity to greet ESA Astronaut Andreas Mogensen and emphasised the importance of nurturing Cyprus’s youth. She highlighted the nation’s ongoing transformation, underlining that the “winds of change and progress have also reached Cyprus.”
CSEO President, George Danos, highlighted the successful collaboration between CSEO and COSPAR, outlining how their joint efforts have positioned Cyprus as an emerging hub for space research and cooperation. He reflected on the progress achieved by CSEO over the past years, leading to Cyprus hosting the COSPAR Symposium 2025. Emphasising the strong foundation of young talent in the country, he noted that events such as SG [Cyprus] are instrumental in empowering the next generation. He also presented CSEO’s international initiatives, including the coordination of a global space cluster that strengthens Cyprus’s role in global space activities.
The press release said that Blue Origin Astronaut, Chris Boshuizen, talked about the future of space technology and innovation and encouraged the next generation to embrace risk-taking, failure, and continuous learning as essential elements of true technological progress.
ESA Astronaut, Andreas Mogensen, recounted his remarkable journey — from working on offshore oil rigs to becoming the first Dane in space and later the first Scandinavian Commander of the ISS.
George Troullias, founder of the KITION Planetarium & Observatory, shared insights into the history of SGAC’s presence in Cyprus, recalling his experience as the first Cypriot National Point of Contact.
Moreover, moderated by Evandros Theodosiou, National Point of Contact for Cyprus at SGAC, and event Manager of SG [Cyprus] a panel explored Cyprus’s growing role in Earth observation and satellite applications, particularly in the context of its recent association with the European Space Agency (ESA).
Prof. Erick Lansard shared his dual perspective from academia and industry, addressing the importance of bridging these two worlds to foster innovation. Prof. Andreas Andreou introduced the ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence and Space BIC, outlining national-level initiatives in space technology and data applications. Together, they discussed how regional priorities — such as climate change, sustainability, and geopolitical factors — can be effectively addressed through collaborative Earth observation strategies.
The fireside discussion, led by Dr. Kai-Uwe Schrogl (ESA Special Advisor for Political Affairs) and Andronikos Kakkouras (Senior Officer, Department of Electronic Communications), centred on ESA’s three strategic pillars and the celebration of ESA’s 50th anniversary. Dr. Schrogl emphasised how Cyprus’s new status as an ESA Associate Member State opens doors for scientific and industrial participation. Mr. Kakkouras further highlighted the significance of this milestone, noting that Cyprus now stands on solid foundations to meet the expectations set by this new phase of collaboration.
Prof. Bernard Foing of EuroMoonMars, Space Renaissance International, talked about space and planetary exploration, presenting the vision of space for all. He discussed the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, reminding participants that humanity’s future in space will require not just engineers, but also doctors, lawyers, artists, and educators.
Prof. Pascale Ehrenfreund (President, COSPAR) concluded the event with a keynote on COSPAR’s mission and global scientific initiatives, outlining the organisation’s goals and the progress achieved through international collaboration. She discussed the entrepreneurial growth of the space sector, which is projected to surpass a $1 trillion market by 2040, and touched upon Europe’s upcoming robotic and human lunar missions. Her presentation also addressed the need for more STEM graduates in the European space workforce, urging stronger engagement of young professionals to meet the growing demands of the sector, the press release concludes.
(Source: CNA)
