115540
# of people reached
8160
# of people engaged
200000
# of people expected to be reached in the next 5 years
Project Completion Report
CY_AD_02 CYPRUS AWARENESS AND EDUCATION STUDY (CARES)
October 2024 - October 2025
This groundbreaking ESA initiative, titled "Space Horizons: Bridging the Gap Between Cyprus and the Cosmos," aimed to elevate Cyprus's engagement with space science and technology and to familiarize the Cypriot public with the related fields
The project was led by 1010 COSMOS as the Prime Contractor, supported by the Subcontractors INTERSTELLAR INSTITUTE and ADELVE Research, Innovation, Consulting & Trade, and was framed by the Department of Electronic Communications of the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy. It successfully brought together a consortium of leading Cypriot experts, internationally renowned astrophysicists, and was reinforced by the country’s leading astronomy infrastructures with cutting-edge technologies, such as the Troodos Observatory, Amiantos & Arodes Astroparks, and the Idalion Lyceum Science Park. This ambitious one-year program significantly strengthened public understanding and appreciation of space science and its practical applications in everyday life. The planned activities included innovative school visits, the production of space-themed films relating to Cyprus, TV/Radio informative shows, art exhibitions, public talks by experts, interactive competitions, and a festival of Space science and technology at the Tamasos Metropolis. All activities were offered FREE of charge to the public. Project Legacy and Continuation We are proud to announce that many activities will continue due to exceptional public demand, even following the project's official completion. The continuity of these key activities demonstrates the program's lasting impact: •WP1 - DEC website videos will continue, as will the news feed. •WP2 - School Visits are in high demand and will continue with a basic fee. •WP3 - Public Displays (printed) will be offered to upcoming events such as the new science fair. •WP4 - Space Film Theme Nights will continue at the Troodos Observatory (free during events and with a basic fee on weekends). •WP5 - Public Talks will continue to be offered free of charge at events. •WP6 - TV & Radio Shows will continue due to sustained demand from the media and the raised public interest in Space. •WP7 - "Troodos Rising to the Stars" will be featured daily for schools at the Troodos Observatory. •WP8 - "Art & Space" will publish a 2025 calendar featuring all winning entries. •WP9 - New School Competitions will be offered by interested schools, for which we will provide the prizes/gifts
The successful completion of the CARES project resulted in the people of Cyprus now widely recognizing the European Space Agency (ESA) as a leading force in space exploration, celebrating its role in advancing innovation and collaboration as Cyprus embraces its new status as an ESA associate member.
All activities were offered FREE of charge to the public.
Press Conference
December 17, 2024 | 10:30 | ARTos House, Nicosia
WP1: DEC Website Content Upgrade
Purpose: Enhance the DEC website into a user-focused platform aligned with ESA CARES communication, education, and outreach goals.
ESA CARES DEC WP1
0.1 DEC short


0.1 DEC short

02.DEC

3. ESA - THE PAST
WP2: School Outreach Program
Purpose: Promote space science awareness among students across Cyprus through immersive, ESA-aligned
educational visits to 16 schools.
Olympion Primary
Nicosia
10/4/2025
276
Idalion High School
Nicosia
30/4/2025
321
Kokkinochorion Gymnasium
Famagusta
2/5/2025
312
B Primary Kokkinotrimithias
Nicosia
12/5/2025
240
B Primary Engomis
Nicosia
13/5/2025
343
Agia Varvara Primary
Nicosia
2/4/2025
250
GC School of Careers
Nicosia
19/5/2025
399
Kakopetria Primary
Nicosia
25/5/2025
210
Galata Primary
Nicosia
26/5/2025
168
Evrichou Primary
Nicosia
27/5/2025
195
GC School Primary
Nicosia
6/6/2025
387
Ap. Pavlos Gymnasium
Nicosia
23/6/2025
415
Panagia Primary School
Paphos
11/8/2025
278
Panagia Gymnasium
Paphos
12/8/2025
178
Panagia Environmental EDU
Paphos
13/8/2025
242
Cyprus Ass. Military Officers
Larnaca
14/8/2025
198
Meet VAN-esa!




While she might lack rocket boosters and zero-G cup holders, this little silver spaceship-on-wheels boldly went where no transit van has gone before: across the wild frontiers of Cyprus!
Throughout 2025, VAN-esa bravely navigated winding village roads and bustling schoolyards for the ESA CARES project, delivering a payload of pure cosmic wonder directly to the next generation. Decked out in stellar decals and armed with a giant QR code, she proved that you don't need to break orbit to have an out-of-this-world adventure.
VAN-esa is living proof that the greatest journeys of scientific discovery don't always start on a fiery launchpad—sometimes, they pull right into your local parking lot!
WP3: Public Displays - Space & Astronomy Fair
Objectives: Inspire public curiosity in space science and ESA missions
Integrate outcomes from all ESA CARES work packages
Delivered:
hands-on, inclusive experiences to all ages
WP4: Space-themed Film Nights
Goal: Combine cinematic storytelling with scientific learning to inspire broad public interest
in ESA missions and space science.
WP5: Public Talks
Purpose: Inspire interest in space science, highlight Cyprus’s role in ESA, and bridge experts with the public.
Planetary Parade
Artos House
On Friday, January 31st, an engaging astronomy event was held at ARTos House in Nicosia, offering free public access to telescopes for observing a Planetary Parade. The evening featured screenings of the film, "Unveiling the Invisible Universe," alongside guidance from astronomers and a social gathering for astro-enthusiasts. This free event was held under the European Space Agency-sponsored CARES program.
185

We love black holes!
Artos House
On Thursday, February 13th, the second "Free Astronomy for Everyone" event at ARTos House focused entirely on Black Holes. The evening featured multiple free screenings of the production, "Supermassive Black Holes: Uncovering the Invisible," followed by discussions led by the CARES team scientists. Attendees also enjoyed free stargazing with telescopes, guided by experienced astronomers, as part of the ESA-funded CARES program.
200

Eyes on the skies
Artos House
The evening’s main event is a scientific discussion with Dr. Stelios Tsangarides, whose enthusiasm and engaging style will guide us through the evolution of the telescope. Starting as a simple optical device, the telescope celebrated its 400th anniversary in 2009 and continues to evolve into a powerful tool for unraveling the mysteries of the Universe that surrounds us!
Meanwhile, weather permitting, there will be a FREE stargazing session with telescopes in the outdoor area of ARTos House and a live connection with the SPICA Observatory for a sky-mapping session with our team’s astronomers!
220

Science & Astronomy Night
- Agapios Elia
14/3/2025
Idalion Science Park
On Friday, March 14th, the Science & Astronomy Night was successfully hosted at the Idaliou High School Science Park. The event featured interactive tours of the park's exhibits and a striking 3D Moon replica, alongside free stargazing with the robotic telescope. Two lectures, given by ESA CARES communicators, covered space technology careers and our place in the Universe.
300

Galactic Collisions
- Orestis Pavlou
28/3/2025
Spilies Acropolis Center
The "What happens when galaxies collide?" event took place on March 28th at the Acropolis' Park Caves, focusing on galactic interactions and the universe's structure. The evening featured a scientific presentation by Dr. Orestis Pavlou, alongside astronomical observations through telescopes and a 3D Moon exhibit. The program, which included space music and an astrophotography display, ran from 18:00 to 22:00.
521

The Night Sky
- Agapios Elia
4/5/20205
SCYence Fair
Understanding the Night Sky and how we can learn it by using technology, exploring the work of the European Space Agency.
A comprehensive introduction to celestial observation and modern astronomical study. How cutting-edge technology, including advanced telescopes and digital tools, empowers us to learn about stars, planets, and deep-space objects. A focus on the innovative work and pioneering missions of the European Space Agency (ESA), demonstrating their vital role in expanding our knowledge of the cosmos.
120

Light Pollution
- Demetra Chasikou
2/5/2025
Kokkinohoria Gymnasium
How the European Space Agency (ESA) uses satellite technology to monitor and study light pollution across the globe. The significant impact artificial light has on astronomical observations, the environment, and human health. ESA's initiatives and collaborations aimed at mitigating light pollution and promoting responsible outdoor lighting practices.
325

Thanasis Economou
Kourion Amphitheatre
The event was a unique blend of science, art, and the universe. It opened with a speech by NASA-honored scientist Professor Thanasis Economou, who shared experiences from the Apollo and Artemis missions. This was followed by a live musical performance by Dr. Fiori-Anastasia Metallinou and her collaborators, which combined original compositions, electronic sounds, and astronomical data converted to sound. The evening also offered stargazing with telescopes and an astrophotography exhibition.
1500+

ESA & SSA "Near Space Technology"
- Stelios Tryfon
12/3/2025
Troodos Observatory
An exploration of the mission and programs of the European Space Agency (ESA) and highlighting of the role of the SPICA Observatory in Cyprus. The SPICA Observatory, located in Troodos, Cyprus, contributes directly to ESA's Space Situational Awareness (SSA) efforts by tracking satellite orbits upon request and sending data for trajectory corrections, helping to maintain a safe and sustainable space environment
600

Space & Daily life
- Evlampia Papaneofitou
22/8/2025
Troodos Observatory
An exploration of how orbital technology underpins modern society, covering its foundational roles in GPS (finance, logistics), global communication, and weather/climate monitoring. It highlights space's critical function in disaster response and security, emphasizing that continued investment drives economic growth and addresses future global challenges.
450

- Achilleas Georgiou
29/8/2025
Troodos Observatory
A presentation highlighting the European Space Agency's (ESA) Earth Observation efforts, focusing on two main branches. The Copernicus program utilizes the Sentinel satellites (like Sentinel-1 and -2) for continuous, operational monitoring of climate, disasters, and security. The Earth Explorers missions, such as CryoSat, provide specialized scientific data. The core applications highlighted are disaster response, precision agriculture, and gathering the fundamental data required for global climate change assessment.
500

Combining Satellite Data with Engineering Insight
- Dr. Skevi Perdikou
7/9/2025
Troodos Observatory
Harness the power of remote sensing by exploring how satellite data can be seamlessly integrated with engineering expertise to solve complex, real-world problems. Discover practical applications, such as monitoring infrastructure health, optimizing resource management, and improving disaster response capabilities. This session will provide key insights into leveraging vast geospatial information to drive more informed and resilient engineering decisions.
60

WP6: TV & Radio Shows
Goal: Deliver immersive, scientifically accurate, and locally relevant space education through
mass media presence.
Media Articles
Ambitious Initiative Aims to Inspire the Next Generation Through Space Science and Technology
O Ευρωπαϊκός Οργανισμός Διαστήματος (ESA) έχει αναθέσει τον διαγωνισμό για το έργο CY_AD_02 CYPRUS AWARENESS AND EDUCATION STUDY (CARES) στην κοινοπραξία 1010 COSMOS.
O Ευρωπαϊκός Οργανισμός Διαστήματος (ESA) έχει αναθέσει τον διαγωνισμό για το έργο CY_AD_02 CYPRUS AWARENESS AND EDUCATION STUDY (CARES) στην κοινοπραξία 1010 COSMOS.
WP7: Film Shows
Goal: Deliver immersive, scientifically accurate, and locally relevant space education through
dome-based cinematic experiences.
Troodos
Rising to the Stars
created by
Theofanis Matsopoulos
&
directed by
Stelios Tryfon
"Troodos: Rising to the Stars" is an ode to the power of nature, scientific curiosity, and the continuous human quest for knowledge, connecting Cyprus with the past, present, and future of the Earth and the universe.
Daily Screenings at
Troodos Observatory


WP8: Art & Space
Goal: Celebrate the aesthetic and emotional power of astronomy through a national
Astrophotography Exhibition and public participation campaign.
Cosmic Dreams Realized: The ESA CARES Astrophotography Contest Concludes!
The celestial curtain closed on an incredible display of artistry and science!
Sky-watchers across Cyprus delivered a spectacular testament to our night sky in the ESA CARES Astrophotography Contest.
From August 1st to August 30th, 2025, the community journeyed through our Online Voting Gallery, their collective voice guiding the brightest captures to the forefront.
The dedication paid off: our top-voted visionaries secured their place in the stars!
Their stunning work earned coveted features in the upcoming 2026 ESA CARES Astronomical Calendar, prestigious exhibition prints at ESA CARES events, and top-tier gear from our partners at 1010 Cosmos.
A universe of thanks to everyone who voted and shared—your engagement illuminated the exceptional talent of Cyprus!

ESA CARES EXHIBITED AT TROODOS OBSERVATORY






WP9: Challenges & Competitions
Goal: Promote space science learning through active, hands-on competitions for students
and visitors of all ages.




Awards Ceremony
September 28th, 2025


Winning Projects
September 28th, 2025

ΔΗΜΟΤΙΚΟ
A1. Ιστορίες για Διαστημικά Ταξίδια!
Γίνε συγγραφέας και φτιάξε μια απίστευτη ιστορία για ένα διαστημικό ταξίδι! Θα συναντήσεις εξωγήινους; Θα ανακαλύψεις νέους πλανήτες; Η φαντασία σου είναι το όριο!
A2. Κολάζ - Σχεδιάγραμμα
Μπορείς να εξηγήσεις κάτι από τη διαστημική επιστήμη με εικόνες και χρώματα; Δείξε μας πώς λειτουργεί ένας πύραυλος, πώς δημιουργείται μια μαύρη τρύπα ή ότι άλλο βρίσκεις εσύ ενδιαφέρον!
A3. Σχέδιο
Διάλεξε έναν πλανήτη, έναν αστερισμό ή ένα φανταστικό εξωγήινο και ζωγράφισέ τον με τον πιο αριστουργηματικό τρόπο! Μήπως μπορείς να σχεδιάσεις κάτι ακόμα πιό πρωτότυπο;
A4. Διαδραστική Κατασκευή - Προσομοίωση
Ένας πύραυλος που εκτοξεύεται; Ένα ηλιακό σύστημα που περιστρέφεται; Η αστερισμοί από κάποιο άλλο αστέρι; Χρησιμοποίησε τη φαντασία και τα χέρια σου για να φτιάξεις κάτι που ζωντανεύει!
A5. Σύντομο Εκπαιδευτικό Βίντεο
Γίνε σκηνοθέτης του δικού σου διαστημικού ντοκιμαντέρ! Διάλεξε το αγαπημένο σου κομμάτι από τις επιστήμες του διαστήματος και φτιάξε ένα μικρό βίντεο! Μπορείς να το εξηγήσεις με σχέδια, stop-motion ή ακόμα και να συμμετάσχεις ως δημοσιογράφος ή science communicator!
ΓΥΜΝΑΣΙΟ
B1. Έρευνα - Η Φωτορύπανση από το Σπίτι μου
Βγες έξω, κοίταξε τον ουρανό και μέτρησε πόσα αστέρια μπορείς να δεις! Είναι έντονη η φωτορύπανση εκεί που ζεις; Κατάγραψε τα δεδομένα σου και σκέψου τρόπους να προστατέψουμε το νυχτερινό ουρανό!
B2. Αφίσα
Χρησιμοποίησε εικόνες, σχέδια και λέξεις για να εξηγήσεις μια συναρπαστική πτυχή της διαστημικής επιστήμης! Μπορεί να είναι για μαύρες τρύπες, εξωπλανήτες ή ακόμα και αποστολές στον Άρη!
B3. Σχέδιο
Μπορείς να αποτυπώσεις έναν γαλαξία, ένα διαστημόπλοιο ή έναν εξωγήινο κόσμο στο χαρτί; Άφησε τη φαντασία σου ελεύθερη!
B4. Διαδραστική Κατασκευή - Προσομοίωση
Μπορείς να δημιουργήσεις ένα μοντέλο του ηλιακού συστήματος, ένα διαστημικό όχημα ή μια προσομοίωση της βαρύτητας; Ξεπέρασε τα όρια της δημιουργικότητάς σου και δείξε μας πώς λειτουργεί το σύμπαν!
Β5. Σύντομο Εκπαιδευτικό Βίντεο
Διάλεξε ένα επιστημονικό φαινόμενο, όπως τις εκλείψεις ή τις μαύρες τρύπες, και εξήγησέ το με τον πιο δημιουργικό τρόπο σε ένα βίντεο!
ΛΥΚΕΙΟ
Γ1. Ανάπτυξη Εφαρμογής
Αν αγαπάς τον προγραμματισμό, τότε αυτή είναι η κατηγορία σου! Φτιάξε μια εφαρμογή που να αξιοποιεί αστρονομικά δεδομένα! Θα μπορούσε να βοηθάει στην εξερεύνηση του διαστήματος ή στη μελέτη της Γης από δορυφόρους!
Γ2. Αφίσα
Ανέβασε το επίπεδο της επιστημονικής αφίσας και δημιούργησε κάτι που όχι μόνο ενημερώνει αλλά και εντυπωσιάζει!
Γ3. Σχέδιο
Μπορείς να αποτυπώσεις τις πιο περίεργες και όμορφες πτυχές του διαστήματος; Σχεδίασε έναν πλανήτη, έναν κομήτη ή ακόμα και ένα διαστημικό όχημα του μέλλοντος! Η φαντασία σου είναι το μοναδικό όριο!
Γ4. Σύντομο Εκπαιδευτικό Βίντεο
Φτιάξε μια κατασκευή με κινούμενα μέρη, όπως ένα ρομπότ εξερεύνησης, έναν προσομοιωτή διαστημικών συνθηκών ή ένα μοντέλο διαστημικού σταθμού! Εσύ τι θα μπορούσες να σκεφτείς;
Γ5. Μουσική Σύνθεση
Τι ήχο έχει το σύμπαν; Μπορείς να εμπνευστείς από τους πλανήτες, τα ραδιοκύματα του διαστήματος ή τις διαστημικές αποστολές και να δημιουργήσεις τη δική σου μουσική σύνθεση; Χρησιμοποίησε αληθινά αστρονομικά δεδομένα, ήχους από το διάστημα και τη φαντασία σου για να δημιουργήσεις μια μουσική σύνθεση! Θα φτιάξεις μια γαλαξιακή συμφωνία; Ένα ηχητικό τοπίο από έναν εξωπλανήτη; Ή μήπως τον ρυθμό μιας μαύρης τρύπας;
PRIMARY
A1. Space Travel Stories!
Become a writer and create an incredible story about a space journey! Will you meet aliens? Will you discover new planets? Your imagination is the limit!
A2. Collage - Diagram
Can you explain something from space science with pictures and colors? Show us how a rocket works, how a black hole is created, or anything else you find interesting!
A3. Drawing
Choose a planet, a constellation or a fictional alien and draw it in the most masterful way! Can you draw something innovative?
A4. Interactive Construction - Simulation
A rocket launching? A solar system rotating? Constellations from another star? Use your imagination and hands to create something that comes to life!
A5. Short Educational Video
Become the director of your own space documentary! Choose your favorite topic from space sciences and create a short video! You can explain it with drawings, stop-motion, or even participate as a journalist or science communicator!
SECONDARY
B1. Research - Light Pollution from My Home
Go outside, look at the sky, and count how many stars you can see! Is light pollution strong where you live? Record your data and think of ways to protect the night sky!
B2. Poster
Use images, drawings, and words to explain an exciting aspect of space science! It could be about black holes, exoplanets, or even missions to Mars!
B3. Drawing
Can you depict a galaxy, a spaceship, or an alien world on paper? Let your imagination run free!
B4. Interactive Construction - Simulation
Can you create a model of the solar system, a space vehicle, or a gravity simulation? Push the limits of your creativity and show us how the universe works!
B5. Short Educational Video
Choose a scientific phenomenon, such as eclipses or black holes, and explain it in the most creative way in a video!
LYCEUM
Γ1. Application Development
If you love programming, then this is your category! Create an application that utilizes astronomical data! It could assist in space exploration or the study of Earth from satellites!
Γ2. Poster
Take scientific posters to the next level and create something that not only informs but also impresses!
Γ3. Drawing
Can you capture the strangest and most beautiful aspects of space? Draw a planet, a comet, or even a futuristic spacecraft! Your imagination is the only limit!
Γ4. Short Educational Video
Create a construction with moving parts, such as an exploration robot, a space conditions simulator, or a model of a space station! What could you come up with?
Γ5. Music Composition
What does the universe sound like? Can you draw inspiration from the planets, space radio waves, or space missions and create your own musical composition? Use real astronomical data, sounds from space, and your imagination to craft a musical piece! Will you create a galactic symphony? A soundscape from an exoplanet? Or perhaps the rhythm of a black hole?
WP-0: Project Administrative Tools
From this point down, material presented in the website is tools used for engagement, KPI's and feedback







































































































































































































































