Safety & Security

Space and Security on Earth are inextricably linked. The deployment of advanced secure satellite systems is crucial for resilient and secure connectivity on Earth.

The European Space Agency’s (ESA) Space Systems for Safety and Security (4S) is fostering the development of innovative secure satellite communication systems, later deployed as stand-alone solutions or complementing terrestrial networks where required. These systems will serve sensitive governmental needs and enhance the safety, resilience and security of the critical infrastructures and applications they support – from transportation across land, air and sea to civil protection, border control, remote control of critical industrial processes, finance and health operations. For so critical applications, an appropriate degree of European control over the design, manufacturing and operation is a key driver to ensure these infrastructures have the required level of security and guaranteed availability, even and perhaps especially in times of crisis, and to ensure Europe’s ability to deploy and operate the systems it needs in a timely way.

4S – which forms part of ESA’s Advanced Research in Telecommunications – supports European and Canadian national institutions and public bodies in defining their needs in this domain and their industry in developing satellite communication infrastructure and services, that are tailored to these needs.

By working closely with user communities, institutions and industries with special attention given to reinforcing European supply chain, 4S transforms space technology into European or Canadian designed, manufactured and deployed operational systems that bolster Europe and Canada’s non-dependence in a critical field and contributes to make them safer and more resilient societies.

Programme features

Supports institutions and public regulated sectors in defining their needs for tailored and sovereign satellite communications infrastructures and services supporting safe and secure transportation, governmental applications (e.g. maritime safety, surveillance, civil protection, border control), critical infrastructure (energy, water, finance, health etc) protection, etc.

Support industry in the development of the above-mentioned secure satellite communications infrastructures and services, and related critical technologies, to increase competitiveness and ability to capture market opportunities.

Transforms space capabilities into real-world applications and solutions across civil and governmental sectors and enhances the security and resilience of society’s critical digital infrastructure and services.