George Danos on why the sky’s the limit for Cyprus’ business space cluster

As Cyprus continues to develop a growing role in international space exploration, businesses on the island are invited to become part of the process by joining the Cyprus Space Exploration Organisation (CSEO) Cyprus Space Cluster.

Speaking to CBN about exciting recent developments in Cyprus’ promising participation in international space exploration, CSEO President George A. Danos explained there were currently 35 local businesses in the cluster, and more were welcome.

“Any company that believes it might have even a minute role to play in space, that may be able to provide circuitry or material for example, anything that could be relevant in space, and that wishes to join the Space Cluster can visit our website and apply,” Danos elaborated.

Businesses can also benefit from C-SpaRC, a pioneering initiative aiming to establish Cyprus as a leading hub for space research and innovation, he explains.

The inauguration of C-SpaRC, the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR’s) International Space Innovation Centre, took place in June, with the Centre aiming to address the need for a dedicated space infrastructure in Cyprus to support the growing space ecosystem and Cyprus Space Cluster.

The project was awarded a €2.5 million grant in December 2023 under the Research and Innovation Foundation's (RIF) "Strategic Infrastructures/1222" call, with an additional $2 million leveraged funding from NASA.

“The creation of C-SpaRC is primarily to provide the infrastructure and capability for startups, SMEs, and enterprises to enter the (space) ecosystem, including utilizing high-tech equipment,” Danos went on to explain, noting that this equipment included 3D printing facilities that could create parts our of metals from steel to platinum and more for airplanes, satellites, spacecraft and more, without the need of having them specially shipped in.

Danos appears to be perfectly placed as the President of CSEO as someone who, along with years of education and experience, has a clear and enduring passion for matters connected to space and Cyprus’ role in them. He also understands and promotes the importance of space exploration in solving many of Earth’s most significant problems.

For example, he was eager to underline that the business cluster is just one part of the CSEO’s wider mission, explaining the organisation’s role in recent events enlarging Cyprus’ participation on the global space exploration scene, including the country recently signing the Artemis Accords.

Established by NASA, the Artemis Accords were created for the peaceful exploration and exploitation of the space with Cyprus the 46th country to join.

Among the Artemis Accords’ aims is returning mankind to the Moon and, at a later time, reaching Mars.

As Danos noted, Cyprus has been winning NASA competitions internationally, something that has been good for outreach, but more recently, further, more meaningful steps have been taken.

These have included Cyprus playing an important role in brokering international cooperation and diplomacy, including but not limited to its substantive role in the Moon Village Association.

CSEO is also Cyprus’ official representative on the International Committee on Space Research (COSPAR), International Astronomical Union (IAU), International Astronautical Federation (IAF), Global Experts Group for Sustainable Lunar Activities (GEGSLA), Mars Upper Atmosphere Network (MUAN), as global host, Mars Society, NASA Space Apps Challenge, Mission X, and ActInSpace, among other bodies.

Efforts such as Cyprus’ hosting events within the Moon Village Association, brought together high-ranking NASA, UN and European Space Agency officials among others, as well as stake-holding representatives Japan, Russia, India, several Arab countries, and the Ukraine among other nations, meeting at the highest level in Cyprus.

Meetings such as these ultimately lead to the brokering of important deals and agreements with an impact on the global space sector.

“This is not only about understanding our part in the universe, not only about learning about space and the planets,” Danos noted, explaining that space exploration also leads to the creation of solutions that could solve “a myriad of problems on earth.”

He also underlines how space exploration promotes peace since, for example, the International Space Station continues to include the cooperation of the US and Russia, regardless of what is happening here on Earth.

Danos said CSEO looked forward to continue to being part of the global space effort, something that he stressed was assisted by the support of RIF and its Director General Theodoros Loukaidis, the Chief Scientist of Cyprus Demetris Skourides and the Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation, and Digital Policy Nicodemos Damianou.

As well as Cyprus’ efforts to contribute to space exploration and the support from the state and important organisations Danos also pointed out the country’s geographical position and also its diplomatic role and widely positive relations with other countries as plus points.