Nicosia turns into a small space hub today as Cyprus hosts the 6th COSPAR Symposium alongside a public ‘Space Science Street Festival’, offering the public a chance to meet astronauts, scientists and global space leaders at Town Hall Square.
Space science: A Gathering of Astronauts and Space Leaders
The festival, organised by the Cyprus Space Exploration Organisation (CSEO) in collaboration with Cyprus Comic Con, commenced at 7 pm and is free for all attendees. It spans Town Hall Square and the CSEO Space Outreach Centre, bringing the wonders of space science to the public in an informal setting.
CSEO stated, “This is your chance to discover the wonders of space in a fun, relaxed and exciting atmosphere,” inviting attendees to interact with notable figures in the field. Visitors have the unique opportunity to meet Hungarian astronaut Gyula Cserenyi, COSPAR president Pascale Ehrenfreund, and CSEO president George Danos. The organisation emphasised, “This is a rare opportunity to meet the people who are shaping the future of space exploration.”
Engaging Activities and Exhibitions
The festival is not just about meeting astronauts; it features a variety of activities designed to engage and educate the public about space. Experts from prominent space agencies—including NASA, ESA, JAXA, and the United Launch Alliance—will be available to speak with visitors. Attendees can explore exhibits from the HUNOR astronaut programme, enjoy artworks from the Moon Gallery Foundation, and view a miniature display of the Cypriot installation “From Choirokitia to Mars,” which was first showcased at the 2023 Venice Biennale.
Adding to the vibrant atmosphere, the festival includes live music, food trucks, and a fire-dance show. The event is significantly supported by the Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF), which is the Major Sponsor.
Complementing the COSPAR Symposium
The street festival serves as a lively complement to the COSPAR Symposium, which is taking place in Nicosia from November 3 to 7. This important gathering brings together delegates from over 45 countries and 90 organisations, including NASA, ESA, JAXA, and ISRO, under the theme “Space Exploration 2025: Humanity’s Challenges and Celestial Solutions.” The symposium is held under the auspices of the Office of the Chief Scientist, with RIF acting as the Grand National Sponsor.
Chief Scientist Demetris Skourides opened the symposium, highlighting Cyprus as “a crossroads of three continents.” He noted that hosting such a significant gathering in space research exemplifies the island’s Vision 2035, which aims to build a knowledge-based, innovation-driven economy. Skourides remarked on the establishment of the Cyprus Space Research and Innovation Centre (C-SpaRC), the introduction of the country’s first domestically produced satellite set for launch in 2026, and the deepening of international cooperation through ESA and the Artemis Accords.
Discussions on the Future of Space Exploration
During the symposium, Skourides engaged in a fireside chat with Lockheed Martin’s Dr Eric Smith on the topic “AI: The Democratization of Discovery.” He elaborated on how Cyprus is positioning itself as a regional hub for space, research, and innovation, with significant advancements in infrastructure through C-SpaRC and preparations for its inaugural satellite launch.
The Vision 2035 initiative, as Skourides explained, involves Cyprus investing in science, technology, and AI to cultivate a resilient, knowledge-based economy, transforming the island into a bridge between Europe, the Mediterranean, and beyond.
Announcing the Nicosia Space Accords
During the opening ceremony, officials announced the signing of the Nicosia Space Accords, a new international agreement aimed at enhancing cooperation in space. Georgios Komodromos, representing the President of the Republic, expressed pride in hosting one of the world’s leading gatherings in space research. He stated, “Space has become an enabler of progress for all, a strategic pillar of communication, navigation, climate monitoring, and disaster management.”
A Week of Scientific Exchange
COSPAR president Pascale Ehrenfreund expressed gratitude to the organisers for their hospitality, noting that the event marks the beginning of “a truly exciting week of scientific exchange.” Throughout the week, representatives from NASA, ESA, JAXA, ISRO, and leading European and Asian space agencies will partake in technical sessions and the Space Leaders Roundtable. Key discussions will include contributions from Skourides, Ehrenfreund, Danos, and other notable figures in the space sector.
Skourides will also be present at tonight’s Space Science Street Festival, inviting the public to delve into the same themes explored during the symposium, albeit in a more relaxed, open-air environment.
