10 March 2025 10:00
Based on a recommendation from the European Parliament, and building upon the Niinistö report, the European Commission has launched the project “SUNSHINE” with the objective to promote a mindset in national civil protection entities for better considering the use of EU space services.
SUNSHINE aims to bridge the gap between EU Space capabilities and the operations of civil protection authorities. The project will work to increase the uptake and understanding of the EU Space-based services, such as the Galileo Emergency Warning Satellite Service (EWSS), the Copernicus Emergency Management Service (EMS), Space Situational Awareness (SSA), GOVSATCOM, IRIS as well as the Galileo authentication capability (OSNMA).
The project is led by Telespazio France and was kicked-off at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space (DG DEFIS) premises in Brussels, Belgium, on January 23rd, 2025. The project will last 24 months.
Fostering Disaster Resilience Across Europe
SUNSHINE seeks to improve the understanding and accessibility of the EU Space services for disaster management within EU Member States. A cornerstone of the project is its comprehensive capacity building programme, designed to increase knowledge of EU Space assets and operational uptake across EU Member States. This capacity building programme includes :
• Training: Tailored sessions to build foundational and advanced expertise in using EU Space services such as Galileo EWSS and Copernicus EMS.
• Demonstrations: Practical showcases of EU Space services in action, highlighting their value in real-world disaster scenarios.
• Simulation Exercises: Hands-on activities that replicate disaster events, enabling participants to apply EU Space data and tools in a controlled environment to improve response capabilities.
• Support the integration of Galileo EWSS: The project will provide online and onsite technical assistance and tailored guidance to help national authorities effectively integrate Galileo EWSS into their national alert systems.
In addition to these activities, the project will deliver comprehensive analyses to identify gaps and opportunities in the EU Space Programme offering and will formulate actionable recommendations for a better alignment with end-user needs as well as with the evolving international landscape.
Through this multi-tier approach, SUNSHINE will contribute to Europe’s resilience and preparedness to crisis situations, in line with the European Commission’s Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO) EU Disaster Resilience Goals.
What is Copernicus EMS?
The Copernicus Emergency Management Service (CEMS) is one of the six services of Copernicus, the Earth Observation component of the EU Space Programme. CEMS provides timely and accurate geospatial information to support disaster management by integrating satellite data, in situ observations, models, and aerial data. Its products and services assist relevant authorities in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery activities. CEMS delivers key satellite-derived insights, even in challenging environments where on-the-ground data may be limited or inaccessible.
What is Galileo EWSS?
The Galileo Emergency Warning Satellite Service (EWSS) is a service provided by the Galileo satellite navigation system, designed to deliver alert messages to population directly on smartphones and other devices equipped with Galileo receivers, in areas facing imminent disasters. EWSS remains operational even when conventional alert systems, such as those based on terrestrial mobile networks, become overloaded, disrupted, or destroyed.
The SUNSHINE Consortium
The consortium, led by Telespazio France, includes specialised partners: ALSO Space, CNES (Centre National d'Études Spatiales), Edelweiss Resilience, EENA (European Emergency Number Association), FDC (France Development Conseil), IABG (Industrieanlagen-Betriebsgesellschaft mbH), and the University of Strasbourg (UNISTRA-SERTIT). The team brings together a wealth of expertise and a proven track record.
• Telespazio France
Based in Toulouse, Bordeaux, Paris, and Kourou, Telespazio France is a subsidiary of the Telespazio group, a joint venture comprising Leonardo (67%) and Thales (33%). With over 30 years of experience and nearly 500 employees, the company provides services in telecommunications, Earth observation, and satellite navigation. Notably, Telespazio France has been instrumental in developing the Galileo Emergency Warning Satellite Service (EWSS), enhancing public safety through innovative space-based solutions.
Website: https://www.telespazio.fr/en/
• ALSO Space
ALSO Space is a Brussels-based consultancy specialising in Earth Observation (EO), emergency management, and user engagement activities. With a blend of technical expertise and strategic communication skills, the company is committed to advancing the use of EO data for disaster resilience. Its team has over 35 years of experience working for clients such as the European Commission, ESA, EUMETSAT, and major players in the Earth Observation industry.
Website: https://www.alsoconsulting.space/
• Centre National d'Études Spatiales (CNES)
Founded in 1961, the Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales (CNES) is the government agency responsible for shaping and implementing France’s space policy in Europe. CNES is a pivotal player in Europe’s space programme, and it is engaged in various aspects of space exploration and applications. In particular, CNES contributes to disaster management through satellite missions which provide critical data for emergency response and environmental monitoring.
Website: https://cnes.fr/
• Edelweiss Resilience
Edelweiss Resilience, founded by Dr. Amelie Grangeat, specialises in resilience strategies for major public safety crises, with a strong focus on early warning systems. The company provides project management and technical expertise to help public and private institutions adopt cuttingedge technologies for crisis management, such as the Early Warning Service by Satellite or the Cell-Broadcast. Edelweiss Resilience actively supports the UN’s Early Warnings for All initiative at the International Telecommunication Union to deliver life-saving alerts worldwide.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/am%C3%A9lie-grangeat-b4a88532/
• EENA
The European Emergency Number Association (EENA) is a Brussels-based NGO dedicated to improving the safety of people across Europe. It advocates for efficient emergency services and the implementation of the 112 emergency number throughout the EU. EENA collaborates with various stakeholders, from emergency services to solution providers, to increase public safety and has been involved in projects integrating satellite services into emergency response frameworks.
Website: https://eena.org/
• FDC
FDC is an independent consultancy, engineering and research company operating in the fields of Satellite Navigation, Satellite Communications, Earth Observation and Security for Civil and Defence applications. FDC provides studies, research and development activities, programme management and supports communication, training and awareness actions on high technology programmes. It performs these services for European Institutions, governmental departments, international organisations or major contracting authorities in the field of complex electronic systems.
Website: http://www.fdc.eu
• IABG
Founded in 1961 as a central analysis and testing organisation for the aerospace industry and the Ministry of Defence as part of an initiative by the German government. Today, IABG is a leading European technology and science service provider. It provides analysis, simulation, and testing services across sectors, including aerospace and defence. In the realm of disaster management, IABG provides solutions that increase the resilience and security of critical infrastructures. Its expertise supports the development and implementation of technologies aimed at improving disaster preparedness and response.
Website: https://www.iabg.de/en/
• UNISTRA-SERTIT
The University of Strasbourg's SERTIT (Service Régional de Traitement d'Image et de Télédétection) specialises in rapid mapping and geo-information services. Using satellite imagery, SERTIT provides timely geospatial information to support disaster management and civil protection efforts, thus contributing to effective decision-making during crises.
Website: https://sertit.unistra.fr/en/page-d-accueil-english/