Sunlight Group: Supports Democritus University of Thrace in the development of a nano-satellite for aquatic environment protection

Sunlight Group, a member of the Olympia Group and a technology company, actively contributes to environmental protection through cutting-edge innovation. In line with this commitment, the company supports the Democritus University of Thrace and the pioneering DUTHSat-2 project, which focuses on developing a nanosatellite designed to detect and monitor marine pollution.

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering of the Democritus University of Thrace designed and developed the DUTHSat-2 CubeSat satellite to enable early detection and reporting of oil spills and intentional discharges of ship waste (bilge water), which account for over 60% of global marine pollution. The project aims to strengthen environmental surveillance and response efforts in the Aegean Sea and other marine regions. It is being implemented through the collaboration between the General Secretariat of Telecommunications of the Ministry of Digital Governance and the European Space Agency (ESA), with funding from the Recovery and Resilience Fund.

Reaffirming its commitment to advancing research and technology, Sunlight Group is providing technological support for testing at its industrial complex in Xanthi to ensure the satellite’s structural integrity and operational reliability. Vibration tests and eigenfrequency analysis have confirmed DUTHSat-2’s resilience to the extreme forces experienced during launch and secured the required certification for docking to the Falcon 9 rocket, which is scheduled to launch in June 2025 from the USA as part of the Transporter 14 mission.

Katerina Fotoglou, Head of Sunlight Group's Testing Laboratory, commented: "Sunlight takes great pride in contributing to the DUTHSat-2 mission. The dedication of the scientific team of Democritus University of Thrace in the development of the satellite and meeting ESA's rigorous standards is truly remarkable. By providing technological support for testing at our industrial complex in Xanthi, Sunlight Group reinforces its commitment to advancing innovative technologies that benefit both society and the environment.”

Theodoros Sarris, Associate Professor of the Democritus University of Thrace, highlighted: "We would like to extend our gratitude to Sunlight Group for its invaluable support in this groundbreaking initiative. The quality of its facilities and the technical expertise of its testing team are exceptional compared to similar units internationally. Moreover, the team’s dedication and enthusiasm during the environmental testing of DUTHSat-2 have left us with a deep sense of appreciation. Our collaboration with Sunlight Group underscores the vital role of industry-academia partnerships in developing technologies that create meaningful benefits for society.”

The Sunlight Group team stands out for its expertise and dedication to innovation and technological advancement. Supported by a team of specialized scientists, engineers, and professionals, Sunlight boasts advanced testing laboratories and cutting-edge equipment, all meeting exceptionally high international standards and specifications. With investments exceeding 10 million euros, Sunlight has developed a fully certified laboratory with global standards— the only one of its kind for industrial application batteries. This investment not only strengthens the company’s technological leadership but also establishes it as a benchmark in the energy industry. Thanks to state-of-the-art infrastructure and a commitment to excellence, Sunlight successfully undertakes demanding projects, ensuring the highest quality and reliability of its systems. Continuous development and innovation are not just a strategy but a deeply ingrained philosophy, making Sunlight a global leader in its field.