RESPOND Research Proposal
The genesis of the RESPOND research proposal is rooted in a critical technological and operational imperative: to transcend the limitations of monolithic network architectures and establish a heterogeneous, multi-layered, and cognitive communication fabric for national strategic infrastructure. This necessity arises from the confluence of three interdependent vectors:
Therefore, RESPOND is fundamentally motivated by the scientific and engineering challenge of creating a coherent, intelligent, and resilient meta-system from a constellation of heterogeneous subsystems. It seeks to move beyond simple connectivity towards a guaranteed, context-aware, and secure information delivery platform for critical governmental functions, thereby addressing a clear gap at the intersection of telecommunications engineering, network security, and autonomous systems research.
The RESPOND research proposal aims to develop a secure, unified telecommunications infrastructure for the Greek governmental satellite network (GOVSATCOM/GreeCom), integrating satellite (GEO/LEO), aerial (UAV), and terrestrial (5G) technologies.
Key pillars of the proposal include extending the infrastructure through the integration of multi-layer networks, utilizing software-defined radio (SDR) for flexible 5G-NTN aerial communications, implementing an advanced security platform (SIEM) with artificial intelligence techniques for threat detection, and applying software-defined networking (SDN) for optimal traffic management and routing.
The project is coordinated by the University of Piraeus in collaboration with the University of the Aegean, Space Hellas, and Hellas Sat.
It is expected to significantly enhance the resilience, security, and efficiency of critical governmental communications, while simultaneously contributing to research, technological innovation, and skill development in the fields of telecommunications and cybersecurity.
Integration of GEO and LEO satellite communications to provide resilient, wide-area connectivity.
UAV-based communication networks utilizing integrated Software-Defined Radios (SDR) for flexible and adaptive airborne communications.
Advanced 5G networks leveraging Software-Defined Networking (SDN) and Network Function Virtualization (NFV) technologies for intelligent network management.
SDR-based communication systems enabling dynamic, programmable, and adaptive radio operation across heterogeneous network environments.
Security monitoring and cyber-threat detection through an AI-enhanced Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) platform.
The University of the Aegean – Computer and Communication Systems Laboratory (CCSL) brings extensive expertise in space-related technologies, advanced communication systems, and satellite networking. The laboratory has a proven track record in delivering innovative research and practical solutions in next-generation heterogeneous, wireless, mobile, and satellite broadband systems and networks. Within the project, CCSL contributes its expertise in satellite communications, AI-driven networking, and advanced communication architectures to support the development and validation of next-generation space-enabled services.
The University of Piraeus Research Center (UPRC) , through its Department of Digital Systems, is a well-established research institution with recognized expertise in broadband communications, network services, and cybersecurity. The team contributes advanced knowledge in 5G and satellite networks, cloud computing, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), and Digital Twin technologies. Within the project, UPRC supports the design, implementation, and evaluation of intelligent communication platforms and next-generation digital infrastructures.
Hellas Sat is a leading satellite operator providing reliable satellite communication services across Europe, the Middle East, and Southern Africa. Established in 2001, the company owns and operates a fleet of three geostationary satellites, delivering secure and high-quality connectivity services to governmental, enterprise, and commercial customers. Within the project, Hellas Sat provides the required satellite infrastructure and capacity, supporting service validation, real-world experimentation, and the deployment of resilient satellite-enabled communication services.
Space Hellas brings extensive scientific and technological expertise through its active participation in numerous European and national research and innovation projects, complemented by strong in-house research initiatives. The company's Research and Development (R&D) department continuously evaluates emerging technologies and transforms innovative concepts into advanced products and services while expanding strategic collaborations across Europe. Within the project, Space Hellas contributes its expertise in secure communications, systems integration, advanced ICT solutions, and the deployment of innovative space-enabled services.
Scientific publications and conference contributions related to the RESPOND project.
G. Papaioannou, M.-G. Volakaki, and D. Vouyioukas, “A Reinforcement Learning-Based Trajectory and Power Transmission Optimization Scheme for UAV and RIS-Aided in mmWave Communications.”
In Proceedings of the IEEE 36th Annual International Symposium on Personal, Indoor and Mobile Radio Communications (PIMRC), Istanbul, Türkiye, September 2025.
E. T. Michailidis and D. Vouyioukas, “Secure and Energy-Efficient UAV-Based Networks with Aerial Jamming Against Aerial Eavesdropping.”
In Proceedings of the IEEE Global Communications Conference (GLOBECOM), Taipei, Taiwan, December 2025.
L. Tsipi, E. T. Michailidis, N. Moraitis, and D. Vouyioukas, “Optimization of Aerial Relay Placement and Antenna Selection in Untrusted UAV-Assisted Networks via PSO and Deep Learning.”
In Proceedings of the IEEE Global Communications Conference (GLOBECOM), Taipei, Taiwan, December 2025.
L. Tsipi, G. Papaioannou, M.-G. Volakaki, S. Anagnostou, F. Katsifas, E. T. Michailidis, K. Maliatsos, and D. Vouyioukas , “RESPOND: Reliable, Efficient, and Secure Emergency Networks Enabled by Load-Balanced Communication Paths.”
In Proceedings of the International Conference of Frontiers of Engineering and Emerging Technologies (FET’26), Bahrain, 22–23 April 2026.
G. Chatzakis, A. Androni, and N. Papadakis, “Security Information Event Management for Emergency Response Networks Analyzing Communication Channel Parameters.”
In Proceedings of the 29th Pan-Hellenic Conference on Progress in Computing and Informatics with International Participation 2026 (PCI 2026), Athens, Greece, 24–26 April 2026.
S. Anagnostou, L. Tsipi, G. Papaioannou, M.-G. Volakaki, F. Katsifas, V. Giannopoulos, E. T. Michailidis, K. Maliatsos, and D. Vouyioukas , “Optimizing QoS in Multi-Path Networks: Joint Server and Path Selection via SDN.”
In Proceedings of the 32nd International Conference on Telecommunications (ICT), Thessaloniki, Greece, 20–22 May 2026.
K. Maliatsos, “A Space-Air-Ground Architecture with LSTM-Enabled Traffic Prediction for SDN-Orchestrated Multi-Layer 6G/MCX Networks.”
In Proceedings of the 32nd International Conference on Telecommunications (ICT), Thessaloniki, Greece, 20–22 May 2026.
The project has been co-financed by the framework of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan “Greece 2.0” with funding from the European Union – NextGenerationEU, under the call SUB1.1 Research Excellence Partnerships [RESPOND-YΠ3TA-0560661]