Safe and reliable connectivity is a critical factor for effective crisis management. During the EU Space Days 2026 in Nicosia, the utilization of satellite communications to support civil protection operations was presented, highlighting the significant role that space technologies can play when terrestrial infrastructures are unavailable.
Through a realistic scenario of tackling a large forest fire and the operational participation of the Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV), the decisive role of satellite communications in ensuring uninterrupted connectivity for civil protection services, crisis response agencies, and relevant state authorities was demonstrated in real-time. The scenario was implemented with the participation of EUSPA - EU Agency for the Space Programme and the Ministry of Digital Governance, while through the ERV and the satellite infrastructure of Hellas Sat, capabilities for secure voice communication, live image transmission from drones and thermal cameras, as well as coordination between field teams, the Unified Coordination Center for Operations and Crisis Management of Greece, and the conference venue in Nicosia were showcased.
The General Secretariat for Telecommunications and Post actively participates in European initiatives concerning satellite communications and critical infrastructures, contributing to the enhancement of operational readiness, network resilience, and the utilization of space technologies for the benefit of Greece and Europe.