The secure SATCOM hub for all missions
What happens when a disaster like an earthquake causes ground networks to collapse, effectively shutting down communications within the disaster area?
For situations like this, there’s GOVSATCOM.
When disaster strikes, having ready access to secure satellite communications (SatCom) is critical to emergency response and mitigation efforts.
The European Union Governmental Satellite Communications GOVSATCOM programme is set to provide secure, cost-efficient and highly reliable communications capabilities to security and safety critical missions and operations managed by the EU and its Member States.
“By pooling the services, capacities and resources of existing providers, GOVSATCOM will offer a secure SatCom solution for authorized governmental users,” says EUSPA Executive Director, Rodrigo da Costa.
At the centre of this one-stop-shop is the GOVSATCOM Hub.
The heart of the GOVSATCOM ecosystem
As the secure ground infrastructure of the GOVSATCOM programme, the Hub is a unique cutting-edge innovative core IT system bringing together commercial and governmental satellite communications capabilities and services. These are then shared with EU Member States, who can use them for such security-related missions as surveillance, protecting critical infrastructure and crisis management.
“The Hub is the heart of the GOVSATCOM ecosystem, linking the programme’s pool of SatCom service providers and operators with authorised government users,” explains EUSPA GOVSATCOM programme manager Dr Georgios Synnefakis.
EUSPA, responsible for procuring the GOVSATCOM Hubs, recently announced that the Hub will be implemented by a consortium led by GMV.
“The GOVSATCOM Hub will create a symbiosis between best-in-class delivery of secure satellite communication services and critical user mission needs by ensuring reliably available and always resilient satellite communications” adds Dr Synnefakis.
In addition to managing the GOVSATCOM Hub’s implementation, EUSPA will oversee its operations and coordinate the user-related aspects of the programme, all in close collaboration with Member States, the European Commission and other involved EU agencies. The Agency also regularly works with DG DEFIS to support such ongoing GOVSATCOM-related activities as defining the programme’s security baseline and drafting relevant implementing acts.
The GOVSATCOM Hub will also pool resources for the IRIS2 programme, the EU’s forthcoming constellation providing secure communication services to the EU and its Member States. This will expand the Hub’s service portfolio to include applications that require low latency and global coverage (e.g. aerospace, maritime).
Serving EU governments, benefiting Europe
While GOVSATCOM’s users may be governments, its beneficiary is clearly Europe. For instance, in addition to its use during natural disasters, the service will play an important role in securing critical infrastructure like dams and air traffic control. It can also be used to support such governmental operations as border and maritime monitoring, especially in remote areas that lack ground-based connectivity.
“By helping governments in managing disasters and other emergencies, GOVSATCOM supports the safety, security and wellbeing of all EU citizens,” concludes Rodrigo da Costa.
GOVSATCOM initial services will be gradually launched in the coming months, with full operational capability to follow by mid-2027.
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