The President of the Cyprus Space Exploration Organisation (CSEO), George Danos, says Cyprus has a role to play in NASA's historic Artemis mission, noting that possible solutions to health problems that astronauts may face have been found through candidate special pharmaceutical treatments as a result of research with their partner, the Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics.
In statements to CNA, Danos stressed that the Artemis mission constitutes a historic moment for all of humanity since, after more than 50 years, we are returning to the Moon. He clarified that this is not a lunar landing but a journey around the Moon.
"Although we are not setting foot on the Moon this time, we are nevertheless preparing to land with the Artemis IV mission, with the aim of creating bases. We will not simply go for a 'visit' and bring back some samples, we are returning to stay and conduct research and technological studies," he explained.
He recalled that in October 2024 Cyprus signed, together with the US Deputy Secretary of State, the Artemis Accords.
The CSEO, he said, has already signed multiple agreements, such as with the American company Lockheed Martin and NASA and is currently, in collaboration with them, studying the health of astronauts.
Danos explained that at future moon bases, the health of astronauts must be protected from solar radiation, microgravity and other problems that may affect their health.
He noted that as the International Center for Space Research and Innovation, a Center of Excellence of the International Space Organisation COSPAR, they implement a very important project in collaboration with NASA that has found specific problems that occur in astronauts and added that they have already provided proposed solutions with specific candidate pharmaceutical treatments.
This research, he went on to say, has been made by the partner of the International Center for Space Research and Innovation, which is the Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics.
The research carried out by the Organisation, the International Center for Research and Innovation and all of its partners, has produced brilliant results that make our country proud and we have an important role in humanity's return to the moon, he stressed.
He expressed hope that the work being carried out in Cyprus, in collaboration with NASA, will have results that will help both the mission, the Artemis program and the country.
Danos also pointed out that this mission is important in terms of resources that our planet may be in great need of. We will see, he said, "whether the Moon has some resources that we need on Earth to stop destroying our beautiful planet".
In order to enter a period of prosperity, in terms of renewable energy sources, we need resources, such as the lithium needed for car batteries and many other products, he said.
"So instead of destroying our forests, damaging our beautiful planet, if these are available on our satellite, the Moon, and we can bring them to Earth, we will be able to save our planet. This is an additional goal", he continued.
Finally, he noted that the space sector will have revenues of one trillion dollars by the end of this decade.
(Source: CNA)
