Avgoustos Pantazidis
Avgoustos Pantazidis is an MSc, MEng Mineral Resources Engineer, collaborating as a SpaceTech Consultant for Starttech Ventures. He studied at the Technical University of Crete, where he specialized through his Thesis in planetary geology and more specifically in geological and geochemical analogs of Mars on Earth. During his Master's studies at the Agricultural University of Athens, he had the opportunity to specialize in meteorite identification and classification while taking his first steps in space agriculture. Since 2019, he has been selected as a Career Astronaut Candidate for the private space agency Advancing Exploration (California, USA). In addition, he has participated in several space simulation missions as an Analog Astronaut, specializing in mapping and sampling the surface of Mars or the Moon and in constructing hydroponic cultivation systems for space applications. During his journey to become an astronaut, he achieved to become a certified Dive Master and Private Pilot (PPL). Furthermore, he has held a sole proprietorship in recent years that specialized in the space tourism sector (development of tourist attractions related to space simulation activities). Last but not least in 2021 he reached the top 5% of European Space Agency (ESA) Astronaut Selection 2021 (top 1341/23500 candidates).
The Rise of NewSpace Economy
The space race has evolved into a new competitive landscape driven by space companies that offer various products and services that contribute to the wider development of space exploration.