Emergesat, a unique space-based humanitarian solution

Paris, March 23, 2006 – Emergesat, a solution dedicated to supporting rescue teams in case of industrial, natural or terrorist emergencies, was today showcased at the ENSOSP (Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Officiers de Sapeurs-Pompiers, national French school for fire fighting officers), in the presence of the former French minister Nicole Guedj, representing the French President; Yannick d’Escatha, President of the French space agency (CNES) ; Pascale Sourisse, President and CEO of Alcatel Alenia Space and Jean-Pierre Massue, President of REMIFOR.

Emergesat is a humanitarian tool that is easy to transport, configure and use, combining space-based telecommunication, earth observation, location and navigation solutions as well as ground-based radio technologies like Wi-Fi, WiMAX and GSM. It enables emergency personnel to aid in the coordination and efficient handling of international humanitarian relief work in all-weather conditions. It also facilitates the evaluation of human and logistical needs, the coordination and intervention for real-time support.

Nicole Guedj, former French minister representing the French President, who initiated of the project, said “this humanitarian crisis management tool will enable, everywhere in the world, reinforcement of the actions of all the organizations who help victims and are committed to saving lives.”

Nicole Guedj has also announced the creation of a Foundation, which will enable the creation and promotion of tools and innovative services dedicated to humanitarian actions, such as Emergesat. This Foundation will notably support the humanitarian use of Emergesat, as well as its development, funding and marketing.

Yannick d’Escatha, President of CNES, said “the CNES believes its important to involve users, beginning from the design through production of simple systems, with proven space technologies and recognized standards. All the partners, including funding partners, may see value in participating in the elaboration of an International Telecom Charter, where operators would commit themselves to share available satellite bandwidth, free of charge, for humanitarian actions.”

Pascale Sourisse, President and CEO of Alcatel Alenia Space, said “we are today involved in the primary risk prevention and management projects and believe this program strengthens the contribution of space based technologies for environmental and humanitarian purposes. Our role in the Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES) project is a crucial milestone. Our expertise in Earth observation (both optics and radar based) as well as in telecommunication and navigation today allows us to provide innovative solutions.”

For more information on Emergesat : www.emergesat.org

About Alcatel Alenia Space
Alcatel Alenia Space is the European leader in satellite systems, at the forefront of orbit infrastructures. Created in July 2005, the company brings together the vast experience and know-how of Alcatel Space and Alenia Spazio to form a new leading force in European space technology. Alcatel Alenia Space represents a worldwide standard for space development that impacts everybody’s future: from navigation to telecommunications, from meteorology to environmental monitoring, from defense to science and observation. Alcatel Alenia Space is an affiliate of Alcatel (Paris: CGEP.PA and NYSE: ALA) (67%) and Finmeccanica (Milan:SIFI.MI, FNC.IM) (33%).

About Alcatel
Alcatel provides communications solutions to telecommunication carriers, Internet service providers and enterprises for delivery of voice, data and video applications to their customers or employees. Alcatel brings its leading position in fixed and mobile broadband networks, applications and services, to help its partners and customers build a user-centric broadband world. With sales of EURO 13.1 billion and 58,000 employees in 2005, Alcatel operates in more than 130 countries.

Contact Information

Mark Burnworth

Press Contact

Alcatel

Contact via E-mail