Cyprus’ role in regional search and rescue (SAR) operations and the contribution of European space programmes to saving lives were highlighted during an exercise at the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) in Larnaca on Monday.
The exercise, held as part of the ‘EU Space Days 2026’ conference, brought together representatives from the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, the Cyprus Space Office, the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space and the EU Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA).
Participants observed a small-scale SAR operation coordinated by the JRCC, involving National Guard and Cyprus Police helicopters and maritime assets. The drill demonstrated the real-time alerting of rescue services via emergency beacons and the role of satellite systems – particularly the EU’s Galileo navigation system – in improving response speed and accuracy.
EU's flagship satnav system
EUSPA CEO Rodrigo da Costa said that “at EUSPA, our mission is to ensure that the European Union’s space systems are not only developed, but securely operated, continuously maintained, and translated into reliable operational services. This means turning space infrastructure into tangible capabilities that support citizens, governments, and industry, with a constant focus on security, resilience, and trust.”
He added: “Galileo is the European Union’s flagship satellite navigation system, delivering secure positioning and timing services to billions of users worldwide. Over the past decade, it has evolved into a robust multi-service system, supporting critical applications across transport, logistics, emergency response, and critical infrastructure. Its Search and Rescue capability, including the unique Return Link Service, is a clear example of how European space technology directly contributes to saving lives by improving the speed, accuracy, and reliability of distress response.”
Referring to the exercise, he said, “It is this collective effort that transforms space capabilities into operational services, enabling faster response times and ultimately helping save lives in critical situations.”
Cyprus hosts Mission Control Centre and MEOLUT
JRCC Commander Giorgos Economou said the centre proudly hosts the Cyprus Mission Control Centre (CYMCC), one of 33 worldwide within the global Cospas-Sarsat network that detects emergency beacons and alerts rescue authorities.
"The European Union Galileo satellite system is fully integrated into this framework, contributing to both its advanced space constellation and ground segment capabilities,” he said, adding that a European Medium Earth Orbit Local User Terminal (MEOLUTs) has also been strategically installed on the island.
Cyprus is one of only three countries in Europe hosting such specialized infrastructure.
Economou said coordinating all operational domains remains essential to achieving the ultimate SAR objective of zero loss of life.
Disaster and risk management
On behalf of the Deputy Minister, Deputy Permanent Secretary George Komodromos said the ministry views “space technology as a strategic pillar for public security and civil defence”. To this end, the government has a clear political commitment to promoting space applications for Disaster and Risk Management, he said.
Komodromos added: “We are utilizing critical infrastructure, specifically the MEOLUT earth station. As part of the EU Galileo System’s Search and Rescue service, this infrastructure is essential for detecting and locating emergency beacons with life-saving precision.”
Source: CNA
