Greece launched its first space agency on Monday as an effort to rebuild the ailing economy as it exits a severe eight-year debt crisis. Entering into the space sector can make Greece stronger and more productive, increasing the country's standing in many ways, Xinhua quoted Greek digital policy and media minister Nikos Pappas as saying.

He was speaking at the presentation of the newly-founded Hellenic Space Organization which officially started operation on Monday. Greece does not intend to start its own space exploration programme, but to fill in a gap and try to make the most of its participation in the European Space Agency (ESA), Greek officials and scientists said.