Cyprus becomes associate member of European Space Agency

Cyprus has become an associate member of the European Space Agency, the agency announced on Thursday.

It said that a seven-year agreement for the island’s associate membership entered force on Tuesday, after its director-general Joseph Aschbacher notified Research Deputy Minister Nicodemos Damianou.

 “The transition of the Republic of Cyprus from ‘cooperating state’ to ‘associate member’ builds on the positive assessments carried out by both the European Space Agency and the government of Cyprus regarding the country’s maturing space ecosystem, its growing capabilities, and its potential to contribute to European space programmes,” it said.

It added that associate membership will allow Cyprus to participate in optional programmes undertaken by the agency.

The joining of the European Space Agency comes a year and a half after the island signed the Artemis Accords, a set of principles and agreements established to govern international cooperation in the exploration and use of outer space.

“As we move deeper into the space age, it is imperative that we cultivate knowledge, share collaboration across disciplines and borders,” Damianou said at the time, adding that “space should be at the core of our efforts, diversify our economies, and create value for future generations.”