The Cyprus Space Exploration Organisation (CSEO) inaugurated the Cyprus Space Research and Innovation Centre (C-SpaRC) on Wednesday, under the auspices of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR), the world’s foremost space research organization.

According to a CSEO press release, this achievement was inaugurated by COSPAR Associate Director Aaron Janofsky, who announced that COSPAR placed C-SpaRC under its auspices as a COSPAR Centre of Excellence. He designated it “COSPAR’s International Space Innovation Centre,” positioning it to become a hub for research, technological development, and international collaboration in space science.

C-SpaRC, a multi-million-euro project co-funded by the European Union, the Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF), and contributions from NASA, aims to revolutionize our understanding of space and its impact on humanity. The center will focus on critical research areas such as space weather, human spaceflight, and the development of advanced space technologies. It will play a vital role in supporting NASA's Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon and establish a sustainable presence there.

"Thanks to the strategic vision of the Research and Innovation Foundation, Cyprus is investing in strategic infrastructures to unlock its vast potential in the space sector. C-SpaRC, a first-of-its-kind project for Cyprus and a significant investment in this strategic infrastructure, will embark on an ambitious journey to foster innovation, drive economic growth, and position Cyprus as a key player in the global space industry," it adds.

The C-SpaRC project is based on three distinct elements. The first element is Infrastructure: the creation of a state-of-the-art space research infrastructure accessible to both the domestic and regional space ecosystem, fostering research, development, and innovation in space technologies. The second element is Research: conducting cutting-edge research in collaboration with foreign and domestic partners, focusing on space weather, its impact on human health, and the development of advanced space technologies. The third element is Innovation: promoting innovation within the domestic space ecosystem and the broader high-tech and startup communities, fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and technological advancement.

“The inauguration of C-SpaRC is a dream come true for Cyprus,” said George Danos, President of CSEO. “This is the culmination of years of dedication and collaboration with international partners, and it signifies Cyprus's unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of space exploration and research. Seeing our center become the world's first international space innovation center established under the auspices of the world’s foremost space research organization, COSPAR, to bridge international collaboration in space is a very proud and moving moment for all of us,” he added.

The inauguration ceremony was held under the auspices of Demetris Skourides, Chief Scientist of the Republic of Cyprus, who said, “The C-SpaRC project funded by the National Research Innovation Centre is a game-changer for Cyprus, creating the conditions for Cyprus to become a global hub for research, innovation, and technology. This strategic infrastructure will serve as a platform enabling collaboration between Cyprus-based research organizations and global research organizations, creating new opportunities for Cypriot researchers and scientists who will now work alongside experts from NASA, ESA, COSPAR, and other organizations."

In addition, he stated, "In less than 112 weeks, we expect to have the first Cyprus-built micro-satellite ready to be launched into orbit. A first of its kind for Cyprus.”

The ceremony was attended by many distinguished guests. The three international strategic partners of the center presented the important research aspects of C-SpaRC. COSPAR announced that the next COSPAR Space Symposium will be hosted in Cyprus by CSEO in November 2025, with the international space community gathering in Cyprus.