Greek Astronaut Adrianos Golemis Proud to Represent Greece

Adrianos Golemis will make history as the first Greek astronaut to travel into space, after Greece announced his selection for the RAM-6 mission to the International Space Station in 2027.

“It is an honour and a joy to represent Greece in space,” Golemis told the Athens-Macedonian News Agency (AMNA), two days after Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced his mission at the International Space Summit in Paris.

For Golemis, the announcement marks the culmination of a journey that began in his hometown of Larissa and took him through years of experience as a flight surgeon with the European Space Agency (ESA).

“I always wanted the opportunity to fly into space,” Golemis said. “But the feeling is much more intense and profound because we will conduct experiments from Greek universities and companies.”

He said the mission aims to put Greece at the forefront of space research and innovation.

“The purpose of this mission is to bring Greece to the forefront and strengthen the research and innovation sectors,” he said, adding that Greece already has a strong aerospace sector.

Golemis also praised the Ministry of Digital Governance and the Hellenic Space Center for their support.

Greek astronaut to join first private ISS mission

Golemis will join the first private astronaut mission to the International Space Station commissioned by NASA from Vast. The mission is scheduled for 2027 under NASA’s Private Astronaut Mission initiative.

SpaceX will transport the crew aboard a Dragon spacecraft launched on a Falcon 9 rocket.

French astronaut Thomas Pesquet will command the mission, while Golemis will serve as a mission specialist.

The two already share a connection. Golemis served as Pesquet’s doctor during his previous space mission.

“It is a very beautiful coincidence that we will now fly together,” Golemis said. “As he told me, now I will see things from the other side.”

His years working in operational space medicine have also given him valuable insight into how astronauts and ground teams operate.

Greek research to reach the International Space Station

During the mission, Golemis will conduct scientific experiments on behalf of European and, particularly, Greek research institutions and companies.

“We conduct research in space because we bring knowledge back to apply it on Earth,” he said.

Astronauts conduct experiments across fields including biology, chemistry and physics, while Golemis has a particular interest in medical research because of his professional background.

He explained that changes in the human body in space can provide insights into extreme conditions, ageing and certain diseases.

Research aboard the International Space Station has already helped scientists improve the way some medicines are administered. Golemis cited the cancer drug pembrolizumab as an example, noting that research in microgravity has helped scientists better understand the properties of substances and improve treatment delivery.

Such advances can improve patients’ experience, make treatments easier to administer and potentially reduce the workload on hospital staff, he said.

Intensive training ahead

Golemis has already completed parts of the European Space Agency’s astronaut reserve training programme earlier this year.

He will now enter a new phase of preparation specifically for the International Space Station mission, covering every stage from launch to the return to Earth.

Next week, he will travel to the United States to begin the next phase of training with teams from Vast, SpaceX and NASA.

Golemis said the demanding schedule would represent one of the biggest challenges.

Training will take place not only in the United States but also in European countries and Japan. Because the mission will conduct research for Greece, the programme will also include a Greek component.

“The schedule is truly a challenge,” he said, noting that the demands extend beyond fatigue and constant travel to the need to balance training with family and loved ones.

From Larissa to space

Golemis describes his journey from Larissa to the International Space Station as a step-by-step process rather than a predetermined path.

“I always tried to do my best, without certainty or the pressure that I had to succeed 1,000%,” he said.

That approach helped him through the demanding astronaut selection process, he added.

“We give everything, we give our best, but we know that some things are beyond our control. Sometimes we give everything and succeed, sometimes we give everything and do not succeed. But we persist.”

Golemis looks back fondly on his childhood in Larissa, recalling how he and his friends could walk across the city.

He also remembers watching meteor showers with his parents under the clear skies of Platamonas.

During his medical studies at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, he became involved with the Thessaloniki Friends of Astronomy Club, which helped deepen his interest in space and astronomy.

“It put us on the rails, if you like, towards the dream—not necessarily of becoming astronauts, but towards space and Greece’s role in astronomy and space,” he said.

Lessons from Antarctica

Golemis also credits his experience in Antarctica with helping prepare him for the challenges of spaceflight.

He became the second Greek to travel to Antarctica after Vangelis Kaikamamis, spending 14 months there, including nine months in complete isolation.

“Being there puts you in conditions that are somewhat similar to some of the difficulties in space,” he said.

The experience gave him greater confidence and taught him more about himself and the areas he needed to improve.

In Antarctica, he kept a small plastic tree that his mother had encouraged him to take with him.

“It was my favourite object, seeing something green, even if it was fake,” he recalled.

What will Greece’s first astronaut take into space?

Golemis has yet to decide exactly what personal items he will take on his journey.

He said the ESA and mission organisers will select symbolic and personal objects that astronauts can carry, although strict limits apply to their mass and volume.

Whatever he takes, Golemis said he will carry the thoughts and gratitude of the many people who have influenced his journey.

“I am truly grateful for how many people have helped me, either through their example or through advice—from my school in Larissa to university, friendships, family and others,” he said.

He also paid tribute to colleagues from the astronomy clubs, his work in Toulouse and his years with the ESA medical and ground teams.

“The team in space essentially carries out the work of so many people,” he said.

“My thoughts will certainly be with them and, of course, with our country.”

Stay updated with the latest news from Greece and around the world on greekcitytimes.com.
Contact our newsroom to share your updates, stories, photos, or videos. Follow GCT on Google News and Apple News.