As we venture beyond our atmosphere’s boundaries, it becomes increasingly evident that international collaboration in space is not just desirable but essential. Let me share my views on why international alliances in space are crucial and on the remarkable benefits they bring.
By working with other countries, we share our own expertise and we gain access to valuable additional expertise. No matter how experienced a single group or a single entity is, sharing knowledge and expertise brings valuable mutual benefits. And this is especially important for young space faring nations like Greece.
Besides the benefits of shared expertise, we are also aware of the huge benefits of shared data and all kinds of information. Agencies sharing Earth Observation data may for example achieve effectively higher revisit times and more comprehensive information in terms of spectral coverage. Space Situational Awareness is also obviously more effective when pursued through complementary monitoring by multiple countries and agencies.
Collaborating on space missions, both exploratory and application-oriented, allows us to pool financial resources and making ambitious projects feasible.
Moreover, coordinated international efforts help prevent redundant efforts and promote efficiency.
The most notable and well-known example of the benefits of international collaboration in space is the International Space Station – a collaborative effort involving multiple space agencies, including NASA, Roscosmos of Russia, the European Space Agency, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency and the Canadian Space Agency. This complex and ambitious project has been ongoing since the 1990s and has provided invaluable opportunities for scientific research and technological advancement.
Other relevant examples are the Hubble Space Telescope, several Mars rovers and the Cassini-Huygens mission – all of them very successful space endeavours involving more than just one agency or country.
International alliances also support peace. When nations collaborate, they demonstrate a commitment to peaceful endeavors. Joint missions foster goodwill and strengthen diplomatic ties.
International alliances have the potential to contribute to preventing conflicts in space and therefore they promote security, resilience and sustainability.
Ensuring freedom of access to and use of space is vital for all societally importanct space services.
Last but not least: Inspiration! Collaborative space efforts inspire people globally, emphasizing our shared humanity.
In conclusion, I consider international alliances in space highly beneficial and practically imperative. Therefore, international collaboration is a major aspect of the national space strategy of Greece and has been among the actions considered and pursued from the very beginning of the existence of the Hellenic Space Center - the national space agency of Greece.
From my contribution to the panel on "The importance and benefits of international alliances in Space” at the Greek Space Tech Forum 2024
