We are very pleased to announce the signing of the renewed Memorandum of Intent (MoI) between the National Observatory of Athens and the European Space Agency (ESA), marking the continuation of the close collaboration between the two organizations until December 31, 2028.

The scope of this ongoing partnership remains focused on Optical and Quantum Communication via Satellites, aiming to advance ultra-high communication data rates and implement a cyber-secure European network.

In this context, the infrastructures of the Helmos and Kryoneri observatories, along with the planned Chios observatory, will continue to be utilized for cutting-edge optical and quantum link demonstrations, as well as potential lunar communication experiments.

The memorandum was signed by the Director of NOA and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Dr. Spyridon Basilakos, and the ESA Director of Resilience, Navigation and Connectivity, Mr. Laurent Jaffart.