Speaker : Dr. Christina Giannopapa, Head of the Office of the Executive Director, European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA)
Title : The Evolving Role of EUSPA in the EU Space Programme
Date : 2026-07-09
Time: 12:00 - 13:00
Location : "Costas Fotakis" Meeting Room - FORTH
Host : Vassilis Charmandaris, Panagiotis Tsakalides and Jean-Luc Starck
Abstract:
Space has become an indispensable part of our daily lives, serving as a cornerstone for socioeconomic growth across Europe. As the vital link between space technology and endusers, the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) acts as the central hub for the exploitation, security, and market uptake of the EU Space Programme. In this presentation, will explore how flagship initiatives like Galileo, EGNOS, Copernicus, GOVSATCOM, and EU SST are driving innovation and providing critical data across 16 market segments, including maritime, agriculture, disaster management, energy, security, and defence. Attendees will gain a comprehensive overview of how the Agency executes its mandate through 27/7 operations and security monitoring, as well as the promotion of spacebased applications for the benefit of the European Union.
Bio:
Dr. Christina Giannopapa is the Head of the Office of the Executive Director and Head of Communications (a.i) of the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA). Prior, she was advisor to the Secretary General of Telecommunications and Post of the Ministry of Digital Governance in Greece, seconded from the European Space Agency (ESA). In ESA, she held various posts including the Head of Political Affairs Office of the Director General. She has received 14 academic scholarships and awards and has more than 80 publications in peer-reviewed journals, books and conferences. She has co-edited the Springer “Handbook on space security”. She is the Vice Chair of the Committee on Space Security of the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) and prior was the Chair of the Committee for Liaison with International Organisations and Developing Nations (CLIODN). She is also the President of the Board of Women in Aerospace Europe (WIA-E). Dr. Giannopapa holds a Ph.D. in Engineering and Applied Mathematics; an MEng in Manufacturing Systems Engineering and Mechatronics; and an MBA in International Management.