The first of its kind International Space Innovation Center which will be a hub for pioneering research, technological development and, above all, international cooperation in space science, is located in Nicosia
Global space players have chosen Cyprus as a base for the first international space innovation center, which aims to bridge cooperation for humanity's return to < strong>moon. The first of its kind International Space Innovation Center, which will be a hub for innovative research, technological development and, above all, international cooperation in space science, is located in Nicosia.
In his statements at KYPE, the President of the Cyprus CSEO George Danos said that “it is a great thrill to see your home country selected by the International Space Research Organization as the first international space innovation center, which will bridge the cooperation to return humanity to the moon”.
It is recalled that CSEO recently inaugurated the Cyprus Center for Space Research and Innovation (C-SpaRC), in Nicosia under the auspices of the World Committee for Space Research (COSPAR), the leading space research organization in the world, a landmark achievement for our country . It was launched by COSPAR Deputy Director Aaron Janofsky, who announced that COSPAR has placed C-SpaRC under its auspices as a COSPAR Center of Excellence and designated it as the 'COSPAR International Center for Space Innovation'.
Mr. Danos spoke at KYPE about the great importance of this project, saying that it is a global center, the first of its kind under the auspices of COSPAR, he mentioned the collaboration with NASA, the strategic infrastructure with million euro machines, but mainly in cooperation with other nations and the effort to return Cypriot scientists to our country. He also said that microsatellites will be built in Cyprus with the aim of “downstream”, meaning that the knowledge from the space research that will be conducted can be applied on Earth, with many benefits for society.
Regarding the reason why the international players chose Cyprus for this project, Mr. Danos said that in order for humanity to be able to return to the moon, a global cooperation is required. Cyprus, he said, with the headquarters in Nicosia in 2018 of the Mars Upper Atmosphere Network announced in the presence of the then Chief Scientist of NASA, Dr. James Green, proved that it has the ability to bridge global cooperation as it is a country friendly to all nations.
“Through Cyprus all countries can cooperate on space”, he said.
C-SpaRC, is a multi-million euro project co-financed by the European Union , the Foundation for Research and Innovation with contributions from NASA. It aspires to revolutionize our understanding of space and its impact on humanity.
The Center will focus on critical research areas such as space weather, human spaceflight and the development of advanced space technologies, playing a vital role in supporting NASA's Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon and create sustainable presence there.
The C-SpaRC project is based on three chapters. The first concerns infrastructure, by creating a state-of-the-art space research infrastructure, accessible to both the domestic and regional space ecosystem, enhancing research, development and innovation in space technologies.
The second element is the Research, by conducting cutting-edge research in collaboration with foreign and domestic partners, focusing on space weather, its impact on human health and the development of advanced space technologies.
The third element is Innovation, by fostering innovation in the domestic space ecosystem and the wider high-tech and startup communities, fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and technological advancement.
Collaboration with NASA
CSEO also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the NASA-funded Translational Research Institute for Space Health (TRISH). This collaboration will focus on researching the health challenges of human exploration in deep space, ensuring the safety and well-being of astronauts on future NASA missions to the Moon and Mars. A partner will also be the NASA Marshall Center, from where its own scientists will be sent to Cyprus.
“We have signed an agreement in Cyprus with NASA-TRISH which allows us to have NASA scientists working together here with Cypriot scientists and other scientists from other countries to do unique projects, so a global infrastructure here in Cyprus”, stressed Mr. Danos.
Mr. Danos stated at KYPE that the challenges that scientists are asked to solve in order to protect the astronauts, are also applicable on Earth, in people's daily lives.
“Some people ask why we deal with the space when we have so many problems on Earth. This is exactly why we are in space because the solutions that come from space bring everything we need here on Earth.
He gave as an example the biological experiments that will be done with the microsatellites that will be built in Cyprus. They have the potential, he added, to see how our individual biology works and to produce medicines for use on Earth. In addition, he said, microsatellites will monitor the Earth from space and be able to protect the environment by detecting fires as soon as they occur. Also, other problems in the environment are identified from space, such as problems in the sea, on the beaches and the illegal destruction of forests.
Effort to attract Cypriot scientists abroad
He also spoke about the effort to repatriate Cypriot scientists abroad so that they can work in their country.
He noted that already from the moment the announcement was made, Cypriots living abroad and dealing with these issues asked for information as the opportunity is given to return to their homeland and give here their expertise.
He also expressed his great emotion because as he said a dream comes true after many years and efforts.
“To see your home country chosen for a global collaboration is unique”, concluded Mr Danos.
The C -SpaRC, is aligned with the Cyprus Space Strategy (2022-2027).
It is noted that COSPAR has announced that its next Space Symposium will be hosted in Cyprus by CSEO in November 2025 when it is expected that the international space community will reach our island.
