EU SST and Greece’s Role

By Dr. Athanasios Staveris-Polykalas

The European Union Space Surveillance and Tracking (EU SST) framework is an initiative designed to safeguard European space infrastructure. This program is critical in monitoring and managing space debris, a growing concern due to the potential risks to satellites and other space assets. The EU SST provides an array of services, including tracking objects in orbit, analyzing collision risks, and offering guidance on collision avoidance. Additionally, it aids in monitoring the re-entry of space objects into Earth’s atmosphere and facilitates data sharing among member states. This collaborative effort is essential in enhancing the EU’s space situational awareness and maintaining the safety and longevity of its space infrastructure.

Strategic Importance of EU SST for the European Union

The EU SST plays a pivotal role in the protection of critical space assets, which are indispensable for various applications including communication, navigation, and Earth observation. The monitoring and tracking capabilities of the EU SST help in preempting and mitigating potential threats from space debris. Furthermore, this initiative enhances the EU’s position in the global space community, allowing it to actively participate in shaping international space governance and policies. By pooling resources and expertise, the EU SST enables a more effective and coordinated response to space-related challenges, thereby ensuring a sustainable and secure space environment.

Greece’s Participation and Benefits

Greece’s involvement in the EU SST offers numerous benefits:

• Safety and Security of Space Assets: Access to the EU SST’s tracking and monitoring services significantly enhances the safety of Greek satellites and other space assets.
• Technological Advancement: Participation in this program allows Greece to utilize and contribute to advanced space surveillance technologies, bolstering its own space capabilities.
• Economic and Industrial Development: Greece’s space industry stands to benefit from the collaboration and innovation opportunities provided by the EU SST, potentially leading to economic growth and job creation in this sector.
• Research and Development Opportunities: Greek researchers gain access to a wider network of European space research initiatives, fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration.
• Influence in Space Policy: As part of the EU SST, Greece has a say in the development of policies related to space traffic management and sustainability, ensuring that its interests are represented at the European level.
• Educational and Professional Growth: The partnership with EU SST opens up avenues for specialized education and training in space science and technology, preparing a skilled workforce for the future.
• Global Collaboration: Greece’s role in the EU SST enhances its standing in the international space community and paves the way for further international collaborations.
• National Security and Public Safety: The ability to monitor and predict the re-entry of space debris enhances Greece’s capabilities in addressing potential threats, thereby safeguarding national security and public safety.

Conclusion and Recommendations

Greece’s active participation in the EU SST is a strategic move that aligns with its national interests in space. This involvement not only enhances Greece’s capabilities in space surveillance and tracking but also offers substantial opportunities for economic, technological, and educational growth. For the European Union, Greece’s participation strengthens the collective effort to ensure a safe and sustainable space environment, which is crucial for the longevity and utility of space infrastructure.

To maximize these benefits, it is recommended that Greece continues to invest in space technology and infrastructure, actively engages in EU space policy discussions, fosters public-private partnerships to stimulate the growth of its space industry, and develops specialized educational programs to build expertise in space technology and research. This proactive approach will further solidify Greece’s position in the European space sector and contribute significantly to the broader objectives of the EU SST.