The design of the new generation of Hellas Sat telecommunications satellites has begun and the new versions will incorportate “revolutionary technologies, satisfying the much higher demands for data transmission speeds and security in communications,” Hellas Sat CEO, Mr Christodoulos Protopapas, said on Saturday, in an interview with the Athens-Macedonian News Agency’s Thessaloniki-based radio station ‘Praktoreio 104.9 FM’.
He noted that this will include the use of laser optics, “something groundbreaking for the sector”, and that the decision has already been made to launch either one large or two medium-sized new satellites into the orbital position occupied by Greece and Cyprus (39th eastern meridian in the geostationary satellite orbit).
According to Mr Protopapas, Hellas Sat 5 and 6 will be “satellites with an innovative payload using optical telecommunications”, adding that a first cooperation protocol with the German firm OHB System AG has been signed, laying the foundations for a very innovative system for space technology, that will use laser beams from geostationary orbit to provide high speed telecommunication links.
There will also be an effort to use the Helmos Observatory in Greece to implement the new satellite technology solutions, in collaboration with the Greek government and the Hellas Sat installations in Cyprus, where special permits have already been received for the installation of new optical telecommunications hubs for satellite communication using this technology.
The benefits will include a massive increase in speed, from 100Gbs at present to several thousand Gbs, as well as greater security. “With two laser beams one could easily link two countries at high speed, something that will not be done with our familiar satellite ‘dishes’ but with optical means – telescopes. We are entering a new generation of telecommunications while – very importantly for national security – laser communication from a satellite at 36,000 kilometres cannot at that point be targeted by an enemy action nor disrupted by interference,” he said.
Mr Protopapas also revealed that Hellas Sat, in collaboration with the Greek and Cyprus governments, was jointly submitting a proposal to the European Quantum Communication Infrastructure (EuroQCI) programme, while one possible use of the new satellites will be to provide a rapid communication link to Gateway, the new space station in orbit around the Moon.
Latest News
September in Greece Winning Tourists Over from US, Germany
Tourists continue to visit Greece off-season into Sept. with the number of inbound travelers up by 6.6% and a 7.9% rise in travel receipts.
Bank of Greece Governor Says EU will Retaliate to Trump’s Tarrifs
The Bank of Greece Governor defended the independence of central banks amid criticism from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who had publicly commented on Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powel
September in Greece Winning Tourists Over from US, Germany
Tourists continue to visit Greece off-season into Sept. with the number of inbound travelers up by 6.6% and a 7.9% rise in travel receipts.
Bitcoin Surges Toward $100K Amid Pro-Crypto Optimism in US
According to Reuters, the cryptocurrency surged to an all-time high, briefly exceeding $96,898 during Asian trading hours.
Greek Driver Violations at a Touch of a Button
Traffic offences recorded in the last five years by Greece’s “Driver Behavior Control System” are now available on Gov.gr Wallet
Milan Tops List of Most Expensive Streets, Athens’ Ermou Holds Steady at 15th Place
In Athens, following Ermou Street is the southern suburb of Glyfada and Tsimiski Street in Thessaloniki.
New Gov.gr Service Enables Secure Reporting of Minor-Related Delinquency
It should also be noted that via the recently introduced initiative ‘Safe Youth’ application citizens have access to specially tailored informative material regarding the safety of children and adolescents
Thousands Strike in Athens Over Soaring Living Costs and Stagnant Wages
Inflation, particularly in food prices, has been crushing Greek households
Greece Overhauls Property Valuation System
Greece plans to launch a revamped property value registry in 2025 and overhaul the way objective values are calculated to enhance tax revenue and improve transparency.
Greece’s New Tax Bill Foresees Tax Relief Beyond Big Business
Tax relief measures in Greece are proposed for freelancers, property owners and farmers, along with 'big business'