Projects

The Institute of Astronomy Astrophysics Space Applications & Remote Sensing of the National Observatory of Athens operates Helmos observatory, which was selected as the first Optical Ground Station under the ScyLight framework. Project HOTSPOT aims to identify all possible activities that can be carried out at Helmos observatory in Greece concerning optical, quantum, and deep space communications.

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In August 2020, the 2.3m Aristarchos telescope at Helmos Observatory was selected as the first ground-based station of the ScyLight program.  The equipment of the ScyLight program was successfully installed on July 23, 2021. In November 2021, additional equipment was installed by ESA and sky-high tests to communicate with the Alphasat telecommunications satellite were successfully performed.

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Since 2003 National Observatory of Athens (and Aristarchos telescope) becomes an OPTICON partner, while since January 1, 2016, the 2.3m Aristarchos telescope participates in the TNA program, making its instrumentation available to the international community. Now, the Aristarchos telescope continues as a full member of the OPTICON-RadioNet Pilot project.

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