The ancient island of Delos hosted the 4th ALPHA MISSION – ΔELOS global gathering, titled “MAKING SPACE FOR LIFE | SPACE EXPLORATION FOR EARTH REGENERATION.” This event brought together space science, the arts, and artificial intelligence, creating a community dedicated to the betterment of our planet.
The program began on Tuesday, May 14, with the theme “DELOS, THE ISLAND OF LIGHT | THE BRIGHTEST STAR ON EARTH.” Moderated by historian, author, and broadcaster Bettany Hughes, this session featured insights from Demetris Athanasoulis, Director at the Ephorate of Antiquities of Cyclades; Vassilis Lambrinoudakis, Professor Emeritus of Classical Archaeology at the University of Athens; and Mantha Zarmakoupi, Williams Professor in Roman Architecture at the University of Pennsylvania.
On Wednesday, May 15, the theme was “FOR DELOS NOT TO BECOME A-DELOS” Moderated by Alexandra Mitsotaki, President and Co-founder of the World Human Forum, this session included contributions from Costas Synolakis, Professor at the Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, and member of the US National Academy of Engineering and the Academy of Athens; Athena Coustenis, Planetologist and Director of Research Exceptional Class at CNRS; and a presentation of the ALPHA MISSION educational constellation – Myth2Space.
The day continued with the “SPACE TECHNOLOGY FOR EARTH HEALING” session, introduced by Ioannis Daglis, Professor of Space Physics at the University of Athens and President of the Hellenic Space Center. Keynotes were presented by Effrosyni Chelioti, Deputy Managing Director at the Helmholtz Association; Stamatios Krimigis, Emeritus Head of the Space Exploration Sector at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory and Principal Investigator on NASA’s Voyagers 1 and 2; Nicky Fox, NASA Head of Science; and Dimitris Papastergiou, Minister at the Ministry of Digital Governance of Greece.
The final session, “THE ARTS FOR THE PLANET“, was moderated by Gina Belafonte, Artivist and Co-founder of sankofa.org. This artistic session featured performances by Marshall Marcus, Executive and Artistic Director of the European Union Youth Orchestra, and Founder and President of Sistema Europe; violinist Diana Tishchenko; contemporary master of the lyra Sokratis Sinopoulos; vocalist and duduk player Zelişah Kızılkan; and violinist Davide Dalpiaz.
5,500 Greek children from the Myth2Space project spread the urgent message to protect Life, underscoring the mission to create a new ecological paradigm. The Alpha Mission Δelos, organized by the World Human Forum, highlighted the charm of the classical and the timely nature of the timeless, sending powerful messages to those who wish to leave a better world for future generations: reducing inequalities, ensuring quality health and education, dignified employment, responsible production and consumption, and combating climate change.
Sponsors: QUALCO, Monterock International, Alpha Bank
Partners: Europa Nostra, NCSR “DEMOKRITOS”, Hellenic Space Center
Travel partners: Aegean Airlines, BLUE STAR FERRIES MARITIME S.A. Hertz
A huge thank you to John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation for their generous donation!
