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Space takes centre-stage in crisis scenario exercise in Poland

* ASTRO+ project, coordinated by EADS SPACE, demonstrates the value of space technologies for enhancing the security of the populations of Europe

The ASTRO+ project is part of the European Commission’s Preparatory Action for Security Research (PASR) initiative which brings together 22 partners drawn from public authorities, industry, universities, institutions and think-tanks from 9 European countries. ASTRO+ is designed to demonstrate how space technologies and capabilities can enhance the security of Europe’s citizens.

Paris, 09 February 2006

ASTRO+, part of the preparatory phase for the European Commission’s Seventh Research and Development Framework Programme which will identify R&D focus for the period 2007–2012, is being co-ordinated by EADS SPACE, via its subsidiary EADS Astrium.

The exercise in Poland on 8 February, attended by representatives from a variety of European para-civil authorities, was designed to highlight the key role space technology can play in the management and control of a crisis. The exercise scenario, based on events following a major earthquake, demonstrated how ASTRO+ can support the requirements of operations on the ground by: facilitating access to data from satellites, the use of high-performance equipment, and ensuring coordination between players to improve the overall efficiency of the crisis management system. The effective ASTRO+ approach is unique as it is based on a constant and open dialogue between end-users and industry – which is already developing equipment for the future.

EADS SPACE has extensive experience and expertise in technologies which are vital to ensure that the security systems planned at a European level are fully effective. The company has developed complete, end-to-end solutions for satellite-based telecommunications, observation and navigation to meet the needs of in-theatre operations. These integrated solutions provide not only the system aspect (space and ground segments) but also the services, covering areas such as mapping and communications.

ASTRO+ is a first step to conclusively demonstrating the crucial contribution of the space segment in the field of homeland security. Continuing to invest today in building up coherence throughout the system will ensure greater security for the populations of Europe tomorrow.

EADS SPACE, a wholly owned subsidiary of EADS, is dedicated to providing civil and defence space systems. In 2004, EADS SPACE had a turnover of €2.6 billion and 11,000 employees in France, Germany, the United Kingdom and Spain. It has three main subsidiaries: EADS SPACE Transportation, for launchers and orbital infrastructure, EADS Astrium for satellites and ground segment and EADS SPACE Services to develop and deliver satellite services.

EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defense and related services. In 2004, EADS generated revenues of €31.8 billion and employed a workforce of more than 110,000.

Contacts for the media:
Frédéric-Pierre Isoz
EADS SPACE (FR)
Tel.: +33 (0) 1 39 06 14 50

Jeremy Close
EADS SPACE (UK)
Tel.: +44 (0) 1438 77 38 72