Greece has successfully launched its first Internet of Things (IoT) nanosatellite, MICE-1 (Maritime Identification and Communications systEm), aboard a Falcon 9 rocket on November 28. This launch, part of SpaceX’s Transporter-15 mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, marks a significant milestone in the country’s maritime and IoT communication capabilities. Developed by Prisma Electronics in Alexandroupolis, MICE-1 aims to enhance Greek shipping and improve operational responses during natural disasters.
Equipped with an AIS receiver and an S-band IoT communication system, MICE-1 collects and processes real-time shipping and environmental data using artificial intelligence and advanced encryption for secure data transmission. This technology enables two-way communication with vessels utilizing LAROS, Prisma Electronics’ platform for monitoring and optimizing ocean-going ships, thereby promoting sustainable shipping practices.
The development of MICE-1 involved collaboration with the European Space Agency and support from Democritus University of Thrace for ground station operations. Prisma Electronics partnered with international entities, including SpaceX and Exolaunch, to meet mission requirements. Looking ahead, the company plans to establish a comprehensive satellite IoT network for various applications, reinforcing Greece’s role in the evolving space sector. This initiative is part of the national IOD/IOV CubeSat program, supervised by the European Space Agency and funded by the EU’s Recovery and Resilience Facility.
