EU GOVSATCOM will support the public and governmental actors involved in the management of disruptive and unexpected events ranging from natural and man-made disasters, humanitarian crises, terrorist attacks or Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) missions. Main users [hyperlink to the “Potential users” page] include civil protection teams, police and homeland security forces, military forces, humanitarian aid responders, local EU and national delegations.

Although the primary focus is on continental Europe and its neighbouring regions (Africa, Mediterranean, Middle East Asia, Arctic, Atlantic), EU GOVSATCOM services will support crisis management missions anywhere in the world. They will cover an area of around 1000 km in diameter over the crisis area and will be made available in less than 48 hours (or less than 12 hours when first responders are already on site).

EU GOVSATCOM will provide crisis management actors with a large portfolio of communication services (e.g. voice, email, chat, messaging, video conferencing, video, access to specific information systems) and will support specific applications such as telemedicine (e.g. remote access to specialists), logistics/administrative support (e.g. asset tracking), welfare services (e.g. private communication for deployed staff) and surveillance within the crisis area.

EU GOVSATCOM will also support the operation of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), which are increasingly used in crisis management and surveillance missions. Thanks to the provision of a secure and stable satellite communication link, it will support both the control of the RPAS and the retrieval of data acquired by the system.