The Hellenic Space Center (HSC) has invited the public to propose a name for the mission that is expected to take Adrianos Golemis to the International Space Station (ISS) in the summer of 2027, in what would be the first spaceflight by an astronaut from Greece.
Golemis, an ESA Project Astronaut, is scheduled to take part in the VAST-PAM-1 commercial mission organized by US space company Vast in cooperation with the European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA. The flight is planned for 2027, subject to the necessary approvals.
Proposals can be submitted in Greek or English through the HSC’s official website until Friday, Oct. 30, at 11:59 p.m. Athens time. The center and Golemis will select the final name, which may be adjusted to ensure compatibility with ESA, Vast and NASA.
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Golemis is expected to spend about two weeks aboard the ISS, conducting scientific experiments for Greek and European research institutions. The mission is also intended to promote scientific research and encourage young people to engage with science and technology.
“The name should ideally reflect elements of Greek cultural identity, research and exploration, as well as the spirit of cooperation, which is very important,” Golemis said in a video published by the HSC on social media.
The center says a mission’s name can carry deep symbolic meaning, reflecting its purpose, the astronaut’s personality, the culture of the country involved or the values represented by the undertaking.
Proposals must meet four main criteria: the name should be a short word or combination of words, easy to remember and pronounce in both Greek and English, appealing to the public — particularly younger people in Greece and Europe — and avoid proper names except those drawn from mythology whose symbolism is widely recognized.
The mission is part of Greece’s broader effort to expand its role in space research and technology. In September, ESA announced an agreement with Vast on behalf of Greece for Golemis to join the commercial flight. If approved by the Multilateral Crew Operations Panel, he will become the first Greece-born astronaut to travel to the ISS.
The planned crew includes French ESA astronaut Thomas Pesquet as commander and Czech ESA Project Astronaut Aleš Svoboda as pilot.
Golemis previously worked as an ESA flight surgeon, supporting astronauts before, during and after missions. He joined ESA as a Project Astronaut on Sept. 1, 2026, and has begun preparations for the planned flight.