Inmarsat, a global leading provider of global mobile satellite communications, has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Hellenic Space Agency (HSA) to allow greater collaboration on research and potential technology development. The agreement was signed on 7 June at the international shipping event Posidonia 2018 in Athens by Inmarsat’s Maritime President Ronald Spithout and HSA Chairman Christodoulos Protopapas.
The HSA is mandated by the Hellenic Republic to promote space and technology and foster research activities related to advance scientific engineering within the framework of Greek government policy. The MOU will specifically look at collaboration on research and development opportunities in space and ground segment technologies, as well as exchange of data.
Additionally, the two organisations will look at the role of satellite within the Internet of Things (IoT) and the potential for strategic research studies on future maritime software technologies and broader space policy. Finally, there is also an opportunity for secondments between the two organisations.
Ronald Spithout, Inmarsat Maritime President, said: “This agreement underlines an already, strong and collaborative partnership between Inmarsat and the Hellenic Space Agency. We look forward to this further developing in the years to come and seeing the benefits of projects which will help shape our industry.”
Christodoulos Protopapas of the Hellenic Space Agency said: “It is hugely exciting that this memorandum will pave the way for greater cooperation with us on a number of levels. Whether it is an exchange of skills, data or people, we will work on initiatives which will increase knowledge and understanding of the impact of satellite technology.”
Inmarsat is a leading provider of global mobile satellite communications services. Since 1979, Inmarsat has been providing voice and high-speed data communications to governments, enterprises and other organizations, with a range of services that can be used on land, at sea or in the air. Inmarsat operates around the world, with a presence in the major ports and centres of commerce on all continents.
The Hellenic Space Agency is a crucial development for the Hellenic Space Industry and the entire space ecosystem of the country, since it acts as a key enabler defining the national space strategy. The establishment of the Agency aims to bring multiple benefits to the Hellenic economy, entrepreneurship, shipping, security and defence, and research and scientific community of Greece.
