Stellar Discoveries, a new startup of ESA BIC Greece, is developing technologies for safer and more sustainable missions to the Moon.

Some of the greatest challenges faced by current and future missions to the Moon stem from lunar dust. This dust is highly reactive and toxic, capable of covering sensitive instruments and penetrating breathing filters, endangering both the health of astronauts and the functionality of equipment. At the same time, cosmic radiation poses yet another serious threat, affecting both space stations and future interplanetary missions.

To address these challenges, Stellar Discoveries, a newly founded Greek startup, is developing innovative sensors that measure the concentration of oxidative substances and assess their toxic impact on astronaut health. At the same time, it is designing specialized nutritional supplements that strengthen the human body against oxidative stress in space.

As part of the certification process for technological materials and instruments intended for space missions, the company is creating simulation environments of the lunar surface, as well as other planetary environments, for testing and research evaluation.

Aiming not only to confront but also to utilize lunar dust, Stellar Discoveries introduces the revolutionary technology of “oxygen farming” — a pioneering system capable of converting lunar dust into oxygen, offering valuable resources for astronauts on future missions.

Stellar Discoveries was founded by Elias Chatzitheodoridis, Christos Georgiou, Nikos Stavrakakis, and Kostas Chalkias, while the team also includes young scientists such as biologist Electra Kalaitzopoulou and engineer Hector Stavrakakis. The founding members maintain close collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA.

The company is already testing its technological solutions in space missions that study the exposure of biological material to the space environment, with samples placed on the exterior of the International Space Station (ISS). At the same time, it is redesigning micro-sensors for future missions to the Moon and, at a later stage, to Mars and Enceladus.

“Our company contributes to the next phase of human presence in Space, utilizing its resources while significantly reducing the risk of failure and the costs required for the safe deployment and installation of humans and equipment in the space environment,” said Christos Georgiou.

“Stellar Discoveries does not focus only on the exploration and utilization of Space, but also develops technologies with immediate applications on Earth, which can have a substantial impact on improving quality of life,” added Ilias Chatzitheodoridis.

The technologies developed by Stellar Discoveries are not limited to Space but find multiple applications on Earth. For example, they are used to monitor air quality in ventilation systems of airplanes and hospitals, in areas with intense mining activity, and in zones burdened with inorganic nanoscale dust—such as after fires or volcanic eruptions. This dual use of the technologies makes Stellar Discoveries a company with an immediate and meaningful impact on everyday life.

The growth prospects of Stellar Discoveries are significantly strengthened by its inclusion in ESA BIC Greece, which has played a decisive role in creating a vibrant and successful ecosystem of Greek startups in the field of space technologies.

“We will make full use of every tool offered by ESA’s incubator in Greece to further develop our products and services. It is the ideal moment to deepen our participation in the international space ecosystem and to apply our technologies on Earth as well,” said Kostas Chalkias.

Nikos Stavrakakis added: “It is particularly important for a Greek space startup to now have the opportunity to actively participate in international space activities.”

ESA BIC Greece is ESA’s Business Incubation Centre in Greece. Its primary goal is to strengthen the Greek space ecosystem by constantly introducing new successful space-related startups. ESA BIC Greece is part of the world’s largest network of space innovation. It offers a comprehensive support package with €60,000 in funding, access to benefits exceeding €100,000, business mentoring, technical expertise, networking, training, the right to use the ESA BIC logo, access to office spaces and infrastructure, as well as an extensive network of supporters.

ESA BIC Greece is operated by Corallia of the Athena Research Center, with the support of the Ministry of Digital Governance, the European Space Agency, and more than 70 other organizations that have identified the establishment of ESA BIC Greece as a key component in the development plan of the Greek Space Industry.

ESA BIC Greece is not only essential for supporting entrepreneurs and startups—from the development of a business idea to full utilization—but also supports the creation, development, and strengthening of the space ecosystem in Greece. It contributes to national innovation and space strategies, encourages the further adoption of space services, supports technology transfer to and from the space sector, and creates jobs and economic growth.