- Category: Space Y News | Tags: crisis management, GOVSATCOM, satellite communications
- 2026-08-05
When disasters strike, resilient communications can be as critical as the emergency response itself. GEXTRECS demonstrates how EU space services can work together to maintain secure connectivity, improve situational awareness and support coordinated action when terrestrial networks are unavailable or disrupted.
Disasters can quickly disrupt the communications that emergency teams depend on
During large-scale disasters, civil protection and emergency teams often face degradation or loss of terrestrial communications, limiting coordination between operational centres, field teams and cross-border authorities when fast response is critical.
GEXTRECS combines EU space services to keep crisis communications resilient
GEXTRECS, coordinated by GMV, is a European crisis-management demonstrator that integrates GOVSATCOM (EU Governmental Satellite Communications Programme) with other EU Space Programme components, including Galileo and Copernicus.
The system enables dynamic allocation of secure satellite communications resources to support emergency operations during extreme events. It combines resilient connectivity with positioning and Earth observation data to enhance coordination and situational awareness in crisis contexts.
The platform brings together communications, navigation and Earth observation capabilities
GEXTRECS supports multi-level crisis coordination by integrating communication, mapping and positioning capabilities into a single operational environment:
- GOVSATCOM (EU Governmental Satellite Communications Programme)
- Galileo (satellite navigation system)
- Copernicus Programme (EU Earth Observation programme)
Resilient satellite connectivity helps authorities coordinate when terrestrial networks fail
GEXTRECS allows emergency authorities to maintain secure communications even when terrestrial networks are unavailable or overloaded, ensuring continuity of coordination between operational centres and field teams.
A recent demonstration simulating a major earthquake scenario between Portugal, Spain and Germany confirmed the reliability and operational value of the system for cross-border crisis response.
GEXTRECS shows how integrated EU space services can strengthen cross-border crisis response
GEXTRECS demonstrates the operational value of integrated EU space services for resilient crisis management. To maximise impact, the EU should:
- accelerate the operational deployment of GOVSATCOM services for civil protection use;
- support operational platforms that combine satellite communications, navigation and Earth observation services for crisis management;
- support interoperable crisis communication systems that can be deployed across borders and between authorities.
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This article is part of Space Y’s Policy Message Paper “Unlocking the Full Potential of EU Space Services for Resilience, Disaster Management and Civil Protection”.
To read the full paper: SPACE Y_Policy messages_Space for Civil Protection