Ensuring resilient communications in emergencies
Response to natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes and wildfires, as well as human-made emergencies, depends strongly on the availability of seamless connectivity. Terrestrial infrastructure is not fully reliable, as it may get damaged in these situations. Secure satellite communications (SATCOM) allow emergency services to coordinate activities and share information(opens in new window), enhance situational awareness and deliver an effective response. Public authorities can also use robust space-based connectivity to disseminate alerts, evacuation orders and safety instructions. Despite these benefits, significant challenges remain for effective integration of non-terrestrial connectivity in emergency operations. The GEXTRECS(opens in new window) project sought to enhance the usability and reliability of SATCOM during crises, in synergy with other EU Space Programme(opens in new window) components such as Copernicus and Galileo. “We prioritised tackling the complex processes for getting satellite feeds, and related challenges in terms of inconsistent connectivity, limited coverage or reliance on single systems, and poor interoperability between satellite and terrestrial systems,” says Gema Rueda Montenegro, project coordinator from GMV Aerospace and Defence(opens in new window), the project host. The result is a prototype solution that optimises resources through access to alternative satellite constellations and orbits, while also enabling their interoperability.
The innovative Crisis Management Service Pack
The GEXTRECS project comprised a multidisciplinary consortium of eight partners from four EU Member States (Germany, Italy, Poland and Spain), combining institutional, industrial, operational and communications expertise. The goal was to develop a pre-operational EU Governmental Satellite Communications (GOVSATCOM) Crisis Management Service Pack that is secure, interoperable, rapidly deployable, affordable and user friendly. The Dynamic Planner lies at the solution’s core. It uses intelligent search methods that rapidly identify the best satellite resources depending on availability and specific need, allowing the use of space-based resources in an optimal manner. “The algorithm considers factors such as service type, priority level and performance requirements to maximise the SATCOM system’s effectiveness. The solution also includes capabilities to manage congestion during peak demand and dynamically replan for more agile responses to rapidly changing conditions,” explains Rueda. First responders request communication services via the Dynamic Planner’s dedicated web interface. The Dynamic Planner connects to the GEXTRECS Network Balancer, which switches across different satellite channels and between satellite and terrestrial links to maintain secure, uninterrupted communications. GEXTRECS also explores the use of a Galileo-based secure positioning system tailored to operational needs, as well as the transmission of Copernicus-based products.
Assessing usability and performance in realistic scenarios
The GEXTRECS Service Pack was validated in realistic demonstration scenarios(opens in new window) undertaken in Germany and Spain with around 200 attendees, including crisis managers, civil protection professionals and security practitioners, alongside representatives of GOVSATCOM, and national and EU authorities. “It was the first event of its kind to showcase synergies across the EU Space Programme components such as GOVSATCOM-like solutions, Copernicus and Galileo,” adds Rueda. The final demonstration was a simulated 7.4-magnitude offshore earthquake near Porto causing widespread infrastructure damage and loss of 5G/LTE connectivity for at least 36 hours and affecting 300 000 people. “Alongside features such as livestreamed videos, Galileo secure positioning services and Copernicus geo-intelligence products were transmitted through SATCOM channels, highlighting the added value of integrating EU Space Programme components,” notes Rueda. The success of the approach to meet real needs was validated by post-demonstration analysis, alongside positive participant feedback, and further boosted by first responder surveys from other European countries, especially during the 2025 NATO emergency management exercise(opens in new window) in Bulgaria. “Although still a prototype, there is interest in our solution, including from EU public authorities, as a potential contribution to future advanced and flexible resource pooling and sharing mechanisms,” adds Rueda.
