The ESA Cares Educational Program, designed to promote space science and technology in Cyprus, was officially launched yesterday. This initiative, part of the CYPRUS AWARENESS AND EDUCATION STUDY (Cy CARES), is a collaborative effort by the European Space Agency (ESA) implemented by 1010 COSMOS, in partnership with the INTERSTELLAR INSTITUTE, ADELVE, and the Department of Electronic Communications of the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation, and Digital Policy.

The program’s key objectives and multifaceted activities were presented by the project’s scientific management team during a press conference at the ARTos Cultural and Research House in Nicosia, according to an official statement from the organizers.

"Our goal is to cultivate a new generation of informed and inspired young Cypriots, prepared to leverage the fields of space science and technology," said Stelios Tryfonos, CEO of 1010 COSMOS and project host.

He added that the highlight of the CARES program will be the Pan-Cyprian Space Science and Technology Festival (Space Fair), featuring achievements of the initiative along with a variety of activities, including exhibitions, talks, observations, and interactive experiences.

Sotiris Pavlidis, the project director, emphasized that "over the coming months, a series of diverse actions will reflect our vision for a new era of astronomical education in Cyprus." He highlighted the program’s commitment to establishing a culture of scientific education through experiential and interactive approaches, aiming to set ambitious goals in the rapidly growing field of space technology and science.

Charikleia Italou, senior officer of the Department of Electronic Communications at the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation, and Digital Policy, stressed the significance of space technologies, calling them a top priority in Cyprus’s policy agenda. She also announced plans for Cyprus to join the European Space Agency as an Associate Member in the first half of 2026, during its EU Council Presidency.

Representatives of the ARTos Cultural and Research House, Interstellar Institute CEO Achilleas Kentonis, ADELVE astrophysicist Dr. Stelios Tsaggaridis, and 1010 COSMOS astronomer Agapios Elias detailed the program’s upcoming activities, which include:

• "Troodos – Rising to the Stars" Documentary: A high-definition, 360-degree dome production showcasing Cyprus’s natural beauty and astronomical significance.

• Public Exhibitions and Presentations: Featuring renowned astronomers and technology experts, solar and nighttime observations, astronaut suits, and astrophysics demonstrations.

• Space Art Exhibitions: Displaying celestial imagery captured by local and international astronomers.

• Educational Outreach: School presentations across 16 institutions, nationwide student competitions, and the development of an online information hub on space science.

• Space-Themed Events: Film screenings, public talks by leading experts, and planetarium shows culminating in the Pan-Cyprian Space Fair.