GEXTRECS is a European-funded research project dedicated to developing an end-to-end secure SATCOM service pack tailored to the needs of reliable, continuous space-based communication in large-scale disaster and emergency scenarios. The proposed GOVSATCOM Crisis Management Service Pack addresses key users’ needs in emergency response such as secure and independent communications, rapid deployment, and strong operational resilience. This solution was showcased during the GEXTRECS Live Demonstration Event on 23 October 2025.
A key differentiator of GEXTRECS is its consortium, which brings together public and private organizations, research institutions, and space-industry companies from four EU countries, each contributing unique expertise and operational experience into the implementation to achieve envisaged outputs. Although the project is approaching its final phase, with its completion scheduled for the end January 2026, GEXTRECS results are expected to deliver long-lasting impact and advance crisis-management capabilities.
From vision to deployment - secure SATCOM in emergency response
The goal of the demonstration was to showcase how GEXTRECS advances the EU’s mission to strengthen resilience against both natural and human-induced disasters. In large-scale crises, where terrestrial communication systems often fail, secure and interoperable satellite connectivity becomes essential. The demo highlighted how GEXTRECS responds to this need by providing reliable, continuous space-based communications in the most demanding scenarios. Another core element of the event was the practical demonstration of synergies between Copernicus and Galileo. By combining satellite imagery with precise positioning services and authentication, the project enriched its operational outcomes and illustrated the added value of integrating EU Space Components in crisis response workflows.
During the event, key technological innovations essential for multi-national, high-demand emergency operations were tested in real time:
- Dynamic Planner – a prototype ground-segment tool ensuring optimal, real-time allocation of SATCOM resources, even during sudden surges in demand from multiple user teams.
- Network Balancer – a solution enabling seamless interoperability and secure communication when switching between different satellite and terrestrial networks, ensuring data integrity and confidentiality throughout transitions.
The demonstration was designed for crisis-management and civil-protection professionals as well as EU and national authorities responsible for coordinating emergency operations. Competent GOVSATCOM Authorities (CGAs), key actors in secure satellite communications, were also among invited participants. This practical showcase offered a unique view into the real-world challenges of first responders while highlighting the technical capabilities of GEXTRECS solutions.
The event at a glance
The Live Demonstration Event took place on 23 October 2025 and was conducted simultaneously from the Port of Vigo in Spain and a training site in Voerde, Germany. It gathered both in Germany and on-line representatives of external entities including the EU Space Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA), Competent GOVSATCOM Authorities (CGAs), national minitries and most importantly End Users from several EU countries. The hybrid format enabled a broader participation as some 70 attendees on-site were joined by over 100 virtual participants. Such strong interest in the GEXTRECS event confirmed the relevance of the topic and clear demant for innovative, interoperable SATCOM solutions that can support crisis response operations under extreme conditions.
The Live Event began with a short introduction to the GEXTRECS project, which was followed by a presentation on the importance of the EU GOVSATCOM for Crisis Management – by the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA).
Subsequently, the audience was presented with the concept of the GOVSATCOM Crisis Management Service Pack – its components and capabilities, as well as the communication system architecture. Afterwards, the disaster scenario was explained to provide the context and set the scene for actual demonstration activities.
Setting the scenario
To showcase GEXTRECS capabilities as authentically as possible within the constraints of the project, the consortium framed the demonstration exercise around a highly realistic earthquake scenario. The simulated event depicted the aftermath of a 7.4-magnitude earthquake striking offshore near Porto at 06:32, lasting 1 minute and 23 seconds. The scenario envisioned a 50-kilometre affected zone with extensive power and water outages and a complete loss of 5G/LTE connectivity for 36 hours.
As mentioned before, this scenario setup was intended to immerse participants fully in the operational reality of international responders, where time is critical, the scale of destruction can be overwhelming, and precise information is crucial for the success of the mission.
The narrative created a credible operational context for two teams of responders, i.e. the GEXTRECS End-Users:
- I.S.A.R. Germany (International Search and Rescue) leading the land-based activities from Voerde, Germany, and conducting a simulated rubble search with volunteers and rescue dogs,
- UTM-CSIC from Spain leading the maritime component of the scenariu aboard the research vessel “Sarmiento de Gamboa”, simulating the delivery of supplies and evacuation of patients from the affected area.
The involvement of these expert teams ensured the scenario was anchored in real-world procedures, reflected operational constraints and realistic expectations, and enhanced the practical value of the technologies demonstrated.
In addition, to keep the exercise coherent and easy to follow, three complementary operational locations were established:
1. Mission Control Center (MCC) – Voerde, Germany (simulated location for the Fire Department in Duisburg)
Set up in a mobile office trailer, this location replicated ISAR Germany’s actual control centre normally based at the Fire Department in Duisburg. MCC acted as the 24/7 coordination hub during the simulation.
2. Base of Operations (BoO) – Voerde, Germany (simulated field camp in Porto)
For the purposes of the demo, the BoO was physically located in Voerde but represented the field camp established in Porto by the deployed ISAR Germany team. Normally the BoO consists of all essential facilities: management, kitchen, sleeping tents, water purification, waste management, washing area, dog zone, and a workshop space.
3. Sarmiento de Gamboa – Port of Vigo, Spain
Operating from Vigo, the vessel simulated the delivery of essential supplies to Porto and the evacuation of patients back to Vigo, showcasing maritime-to-land communication and coordination enabled by SATCOM.
Preparing for deployment
The scenario was designed with meticulous attention to detail, faithfully reproducing the sequential steps of a real emergency response. Before any deployment takes place, the affected nation formally submits a Request for Assistance (RFA) through diplomatic channels. This triggers international mobilisation via the United Nations’ Virtual OSOCC (On-Site Operation Coordination Centre), which alerts search-and-rescue and other response teams.
In the demonstration, the integration of the RFA into Virtual OSOCC resulted in the activation of request that was received by ISAR Germany. Team Leaders (resposible for medical, logistics, and mission-control areas) had to decide whether they are ready to participate in the international mission. Once approved, mobilisation began immediately: volunteers were alerted via the DIVERA app, while medical and veterinary checks, administrative procedures, and coordination with ministries commenced.
For UTM-CSIC, preparations involved postponing a planned scientific survey, verifying the vessel’s operational readiness, and reconfiguring onboard spaces to accommodate evacuees and basic supplies. The vessel’s route to Porto was also recalculated.
At this stage, the concept of the simulated Mission Control Center (MCC) was introduced. Operating as a 24/7 coordination hub, the MCC functioned as the back office during deployment, managing all key activities such as communication, logistics, information exchange, and media updates. This was also the moment to explain why submitting a Service Request for secure satellite communication is essential before any team departs. Connectivity needs to be guaranteed in advance, as the team must be prepared for unexpected developments such as aftershocks, evacuation needs, medical emergencies involving deployed teams, and most importantly continuous communication between all teams, the Urban Coordination Cell (UCC), and Local Emergency Management Authorities (LEMA).
Activating SATCOM services
The key objective of the demonstration was to illustrate how SATCOM services are requested and provisioned through the Dynamic Planner interface. ISAR’s MCC submitted a Service Request specifying required capabilities, including:
The Dynamic Planner enabled analyzing the request and matching it with available satellite resources. As a result, it returned a service configuration that met operational needs, including Ka- and Ku-band coverage. ISAR Germany confirmed the Service Order, enabling SATCOM availability in the affected zone.
UTM-CSIC submitted quite a similar Service Request, but with higher security requirements due to the sensitive nature of medical information handled during the mission. Their communication was delivered via X-band, ensuring enhanced confidentiality and robustness. Services requested by UTM-CSIC comprised:
- voice communications,
- video conferencing,
- data transfer,
- IP services,
- low data-rate communications.
Afterwards, the final preparation phase just before deploymnet was described to explain all extentise tasks that need to be completed within an eight-hour-long time window. Without any delay, the international respoders start assembling their teams, packing equipment, food supplies and medicines. They also make travel arrangements and coordinate all logistics. It is the time pressure that makes this phase demanding and challenging.
At this point, ISAR Germany’s Base of Operations (BoO) was displayed. In the simulated scenario, it was located on a soccer field in Porto; however, for the purposes of the demonstration, it was represented by a tent where participants gathered to observe the next steps of the exercise. Here, both onsite and online audiences had the opportunity to watch a live video conference between the MCC and the BoO, conducted via the SATCOM services requested earlier and enabled through Ka- and Ku-band antennas.
During this exchange, the BoO requested key operational information, including the nearest functioning hospital, road conditions, the weather forecast for the coming days, and updates on other teams operating in the affected area. The MCC also shared information about the approaching Sarmiento de Gamboa vessel, which could potentially assist ISAR. The connection remained stable and clear throughout the call. The BoO used the Galileo OSNMA (Open Service Navigation Message Authentication) capability to securely transmit its coordinates to the MCC. With this step, the demonstration also showcased seamless connection switching between satellite and terrestrial links that were intentionally disabled, allowing the Network Balancer to automatically reroute the connection without interruption.
K9 Search and Rescue in the rubble
Communication was also established between the UTM-CSIC vessel Sarmiento de Gamboa and the MCC in Germany, demonstrating the use of both Ku- and X-band antennas. The sequence of actions clearly illustrated how information flows between operational actors and how GEXTRECS technologies maintain uninterrupted connectivity. The Mission Control Center first initiated a video call with the vessel, showcasing interoperability between the SATCOM bands and confirming stable cross-platform communication. The presenter then explained that the demonstration would simulate a potential issue affecting one of the bands to highlight how interoperability between governmental and commercial SATCOM services guarantees service continuity in real operations. 
To verify that the secure satellite communication channel remained fully functional, a Ping Test was executed from the end-user device at the remote location to the teleport IP address, confirming the robustness and reliability of the secure link.
During this exchange, the MCC also provided the vessel with information on a safe landing point to facilitate the evacuation of patients and the unloading of essential supplies.
This demonstration session also showcased the use of low-PRS to transmit the vessel’s position to the MCC via the same satellite link used for the video call. Additionally, the secure X-band channel was used to send an email containing a list of 25 evacuated patients, including details about their injuries and other sensitive information highlighting the importance of secure communication in real emergency operations.
One of the most compelling parts of the demonstration was the simulated rubble search carried out by ISAR Germany. Participants gathered at the worksite area, next to a building that was arranged to resemble a house affected by the earthquake. A person was positioned beneath debris to authentically simulate a trapped victim. One of the rescue dogs was tasked to find a living person inside the building.
Using GEXTRECS SATCOM coverage, continuous communication was maintained between BoO and the search team, enabling rapid updates on findings and conditions critical for search and rescue operations conducted in dangerous, unstable environments. Once the victim was located, she was transported by ambulance to BoO for medical attention.
A live interview with ISAR Germany’s press officer was broadcast from the rubble site to demonstrate the importance of reliable communication for accurate public information and reducing misinformation during crises.
Validating a robust connectivity solution for crisis management
The GEXTRECS Live Demonstration successfully translated the project’s vision into a vivid, practical showcase of how secure, resilient SATCOM services can transform emergency response in Europe. By combining technical innovation with the operational expertise of real end users, the demo proved that reliable communication (supported by Dynamic Planner, the Network Balancer, and the integration of Copernicus and Galileo) can dramatically enhance coordination in complex, multinational crisis scenarios.
Through its hybrid format, realistic earthquake simulation, and hands-on involvement of ISAR Germany and UTM-CSIC, the event highlighted not only the technological achievements of the project, but also the human dimension of crisis management: the urgency, the pressure, and the critical need for trusted information when terrestrial systems fail. GEXTRECS demonstrated how advanced SATCOM capabilities enable teams on the ground, at sea, and in command centres to stay connected, make informed decisions, and save lives.
As the project moves toward completion in January 2026, its outputs have already showed practical solutions to facilitate the work carried out by civil protection and crisis management actors during extreme disasters. The solutions demonstrated strengthen the foundations of the EU GOVSATCOM for crisis management and offer a unique perspective for future services supporting first responders across borders.
GEXTRECS has shown that when innovative technology, operational experience, and European cooperation converge, the result is a powerful step forward in protecting citizens and ensuring that Europe is better prepared for the emergencies to come.
