Administration and private sector highlight the benefits of integrating satellite technologies in emergency management
- Barcelona today hosted a conference on the use of space technologies in disaster risk management, promoted by the EU Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) and the Eurisy network
- The IEEC and the Catalan Government have organised the conference in the framework of the NewSpace Strategy of Catalonia, in collaboration with the Spanish Space Agency (AEE) and the Spanish Government
- Two live simulations have shown the potential of space technologies in emergency situations: one for maritime rescue in the Port of Barcelona and another for sending alerts to the population via satellite
On 26 February 2025, stakeholders from public authorities, research institutions, civil society, the private sector and other potential stakeholders convened in Barcelona to address disaster risk management (DRM) challenges and the integration of satellite technologies. The workshop ‘Satellite-based Services for Disaster Risk Management’ has highlighted the potential of European Union satellite applications in enhancing the Member state response and risk reduction capacities amid rising risks from floods, wildfires, and earthquakes.
This event, which is part of a national workshop series launched by the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) aimed at raising awareness of the many possibilities offered by the EU Space Programme components for disaster risk management, was organised by EUSPA itself in collaboration with Eurisy, a European network dedicated to promoting the use of space technologies and satellite data in society, the Institute of Space Studies of Catalonia (IEEC), the Secretariat for Digital Policies of the Government of Catalonia, and the Spanish Space Agency (AEE). The workshop was also supported by the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities and the Ministry of Defence.
The session opened with remarks from Juan Carlos Cortés, Director of the Spanish Space Agency (AEE), who stated: “Disaster management presents a global challenge demanding equally global solutions. Space offers a unique perspective to tackle this, particularly given that a sense of security is a major concern for citizens today. The concept of security encompasses a broad spectrum of threats, ranging from climate change and the danger of asteroid impacts to volcanic eruptions, wildfires, and floods.”
“The Spanish Space Agency aims to improve citizens’ lives through the application of space technology, and this congress undoubtedly aligns with that commendable mission. Spain, through space programmes such as SpainSat NG, the Atlantic Constellation, DRACO, SST, and PNT, among others, exemplifies its leadership in developing space technologies for security and disaster management.”
The Secretary for Digital Policy of the Government of Catalonia, Maria Galindo, highlighted the role of the Catalan Government in positioning Catalonia in the application of satellite technologies for the benefit of society: “Emergency management is a critical area where space technologies can provide a unique value. Events like this are essential to connect the space sector with end users and ensure that satellite-based solutions address real and specific needs. From the Catalan Government, through the NewSpace Strategy, we are working to promote this collaboration and position Catalonia as a benchmark in the application of innovative space technologies for the benefit of society,” she stated.
The director of the Institute of Space Studies of Catalonia (IEEC, Institut d’Estudis Espacials de Catalunya), Ignasi Ribas, stated that “today’s event is a demonstration of the effort we are making from the IEEC and the Generalitat to promote cooperation at the state, European, and international levels, to drive the transformation of our society through the new space economy, and to address the climate emergency. The goal of this cooperation is to position Catalonia as an active player in the effort to improve services for citizens and industry through solutions provided by satellite infrastructures and the data and information they provide us.”
Representing the EU Space Programme, Rodrigo da Costa, Executive Director of EUSPA, underlined “With more than 4 billion Galileo-enabled devices worldwide, EU space technology is now an essential tool in disaster risk management. The EU Space Programme provides critical support for emergency response, helping authorities make faster, data-driven decisions that save lives and protect communities. By leveraging Copernicus, GOVSATCOM and Galileo for precise positioning and emergency alerting, we are strengthening Europe’s resilience against natural and manmade disasters”.
The workshop also provided the opportunity to witness two demonstrations to showcase the real-time capabilities of space technology in providing a rapid response in emergency situations. The first demonstration was a Search And Rescue (SAR) exercise, in which SASEMAR (a sea search and rescue agency that operates in Spain), supported by the Mossos d’Esquadra and the fire brigade, deployed two boats and a rescue helicopter to simulate a real-time maritime assistance operation. The demonstration aimed to highlight the effectiveness and speed of Galileo SAR Service and its Return Link Service, the European Union’s satellite navigation and positioning system, as key tools in maritime rescue operations.
Furthermore, the audience had the chance to experience the upcoming Galileo Emergency Warning Satellite Service (EWSS). This technology is in its testing phase and will become the future means of mass alert messaging to populations in areas threatened by natural or manmade disasters, improving current capabilities. As a satellite-based communication system using Galileo, the EWSS will represent a major transformation. Unlike current alerts, which rely on terrestrial phone networks, EWSS will send information, alerts and safety instructions to conventional phones, even in areas with no coverage, thus improving risk zone delineation and extending the reach of protected populations. By ensuring the distribution of alert messages and guidance, EWSS will enhance the connection between users and space, increasing rescue capabilities in large-scale emergencies and safeguarding populations at threat.
The workshop presented satellite-enabled capabilities, providing Spanish stakeholders insights into integrating space technologies across disaster management phases. Panel discussions explored Spanish cases involving wildfires, floods, and earthquakes, presenting national efforts and challenges in preparedness and response. The first thematic panel featured space companies showcasing practical applications of satellite data in support of the disaster management cycle and their integration into daily workflows. The second focused on emergency system users sharing experiences, highlighting the benefits, challenges, and opportunities to enhance satellite data accessibility. Discussions drew on Spanish case studies and best practices to outline actionable recommendations for policymakers and civil protection agencies, strengthening collaboration between service providers and end-users.
Space-enabled services already play a prominent role in Spanish DRM activities. The most frequent type of disaster was wildfires, accounting for 75% of activations. The latest Copernicus activation occurred in response to a flood in Valencia in October 2024. In Spain last year, 42 activations of Galileo SAR RLS beacons led to 172 lives saved.
In this context, the Minister for Science, Innovation and Universities, Diana Morant, announced in Valencia last January a call for projects to develop innovative space-based solutions addressing the challenges of climate events in the Mediterranean. This initiative, with a budget of €5 million, seeks collaboration between industry, academia, and public institutions, fostering the development of capabilities both upstream (new technologies) and downstream (application of existing technologies).
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About the IEEC
The Institute of Space Studies of Catalonia (IEEC — Institut d’Estudis Espacials de Catalunya) promotes and coordinates space research and technology development in Catalonia for the benefit of society. IEEC fosters collaborations both locally and worldwide and is an efficient agent of knowledge, innovation and technology transfer. As a result of more than 25 years of high-quality research, done in collaboration with major international organisations, IEEC ranks among the best international research centres, focusing on areas such as: astrophysics, cosmology, planetary science, and Earth Observation. IEEC’s engineering division develops instrumentation for ground- and space-based projects, and has extensive experience in working with private or public organisations from the aerospace and other innovation sectors.
The IEEC is a non-profit public sector foundation that was established in February 1996. It has a Board of Trustees composed of the Generalitat de Catalunya, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya · BarcelonaTech (UPC), and the Spanish Research Council (CSIC). The IEEC is also a CERCA centre.