A field demonstration of the technologies developed במסגרת the Smart Connect project—integrating INOV and funded by the European Space Agency—took place in Portugal, with the aim of delivering resilient communications and space-based solutions for emergency response.
The trials brought together several European partners, the National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection (ANEPC) of Leiria, and Volunteer Fire Brigades. The exercise validated the solutions in a real-world environment, integrating the newly developed technology into the CICLOPE forest video surveillance system.
More effective crisis communication through space technology
SMART-CONNECT introduces an innovative middleware solution, supported by aerospace technologies and satellite communications, ensuring the continuous and secure transmission of critical data. By leveraging space-based infrastructure, the system provides resilient connectivity even in extreme scenarios, enhancing information sharing between first responders and command centres. The result is faster, more reliable situational awareness, independent of terrestrial networks.
Continuous and integrated connectivity
The project addresses key gaps in the civil security sector by enabling uninterrupted communication between citizens, emergency teams, and decision-support systems. It integrates Earth observation data, drones, and satellite inputs, ensuring near real-time access to critical information.
Impact and INOV’s role
By combining satcom, navigation, and Earth observation, SMART-CONNECT establishes a new generation of information services “from space to the field.”
INOV contributes to the development and validation of these solutions through their integration and testing within the CICLOPE system, reinforcing its position in technological innovation and in the aerospace sector applied to civil security and protection.
Partners
The consortium brings together 15 European partners from the space sector and RTOs. This demonstration included the participation of GeoVille (project coordinator), GEOSAT, NEXAT and VITO, contributing complementary expertise in Earth observation, geospatial data, and decision-support technologies.
This project is funded under the “Civil Security from Space” programme, now in its final phase and evolving into the new “European Resilience from Space” programme, which also extends to the defence sector.