The National Observatory of Athens received a prestigious award from the European Space Agency (ESA) on Wednesday, July 30, during a ceremony held at the Ministry of Development. The event, attended by key figures from the Greek government and the scientific community, marked a significant milestone for the country’s growing role in cutting-edge technology and space research.

The distinction was awarded in recognition of a groundbreaking experiment involving deep-space laser communication. Conducted in collaboration with NASA and ESA, the experiment saw the Kryoneri Observatory in Corinth successfully establish laser-based contact with the Psyche spacecraft—a mission en route to Mars—at an astonishing distance of 300 million kilometers.

The achievement represents the most distant broadband link ever established in space, ushering in new possibilities for the future of interplanetary communication.

As part of the experiment, a laser signal was transmitted from Earth and received by the Psyche spacecraft. Minutes later, a return signal was detected at the Chelmos Observatory, completing a two-way communication over an unprecedented distance. This technical feat is seen as a landmark moment for both Greece’s scientific community and the broader field of space exploration.

The Minister of Development, Takis Theodorikakos, highlighted the broader significance of the accomplishment, underlining the strategic importance of investing in science, innovation, and international partnerships.

He emphasized that such achievements contribute to sustainable economic growth, generate high-quality employment, and enhance national resilience. The Minister also pointed to Greece’s highly skilled scientific workforce as a key asset in positioning the country as a regional leader in Southeastern Europe’s technological landscape.