Supporting rapid disaster response through space

ESA has launched a new partnership with industry through a project called SMART-CONNECT. The project aims to mitigate the challenges presented when traditional communication channels are disrupted during times of crisis, through facilitating the efficient and timely exchange of secure information between first responders and disaster control centres.

SMART-CONNECT aims to meet these challenges through its use of space and digital technologies that have the capacity to share the required volumes of data. It provides an easy-to-use solution, allowing for an uninterrupted flow of information during crisis situations. Linked wearable sensors and mobile apps, for example, could be used to send and receive alerts, or to track the location of individual first responders even while inside buildings.

Led by GeoVille, a company based in Austria that provides satellite-based solutions to enable efficient resource management, SMART-CONNECT will bring together an international team of experts from a variety of fields, including specialists in Earth observation, telecommunications and navigation. The industry consortium comprises eight companies from six European countries and supports ESA’s aim to use intelligent interconnectivity to accelerate the use of space to power rapid, resilient responses to crises on Earth.

The value of the technology is planned to be showcased across Europe, with development of several use cases underway, including supporting maritime security in Belgium and Finland, wildfire management in Portugal, and managing the adverse effects of heavy rainfall in Austria.

During times of crisis, giving decision-makers higher quality data to respond faster and more effectively is key to mitigating any impacts. Space-based technologies are helping users manage the adverse impacts of climate-related and other natural disasters, for example, and protect lives and livelihoods.