GAF AG, an e-GEOS S.p.A. (Telespazio S.p.A./ASI) company, has been entrusted by the European Space Agency (ESA) with the task of setting up and operating the Copernicus Contributing Missions (CCM) Rapid Response Desk Service, a key element of the Copernicus Programme, starting in June 2024 and up to 2028. As the Prime Contractor, GAF AG leads a European industrial team of specialised Earth Observation (EO) service and digital infrastructure providers, comprising e-GEOS, Sinergise Solutions, Telespazio Ibérica, T-Systems and TAITUS.
The CCM Rapid Response Desk (CCM RRD) ensures the operational continuity of rapid on-demand Earth Observation data provision from the Copernicus Contributing Missions (CCMs). Users of the service are primarily the Copernicus Services, in particular the Copernicus Emergency Management Service and the Copernicus Security Services. In addition, institutions and bodies of the EU, public authorities and Union research projects also benefit from the services.
The CCM RRD is a platform that connects supply and demand between data and services within the Copernicus Programme. It provides a comprehensive solution for easily identifying required satellite resources (either from archive data or new tasking of acquisitions), submitting data requests, and tracking the associated orders and data deliveries. This is facilitated by an innovative and user-friendly front-end. State-of-the-art API interfaces will enable direct interaction with the different data providers, thereby allowing direct and self-service image catalogue browsing and ordering, based on various predefined Use Case scenarios.
In summary, the CCM RRD service constitutes a real leap forward and a further step in the evolution towards a new state-of-the-art, user-friendly and automated system, with a sustainable, clear long-term system perspective. With first-phase Service Operations commencing in December 2024, a 24/7/365 service as well as user assistance are provided.
“We are particularly pleased that ESA has entrusted us with this crucial service, as it underlines the team’s leading role and expertise in operational Earth Observation data provision and related services,” comments Dr. Gernot Ramminger, Managing Director (Vorstand) of GAF AG. “It also confirms the importance of investing in developing new state-of-the-art technological solutions.”
More information on the CCM RRD Service, eligible users and registration steps are available at: www.rapidresponse.copernicus.eu
Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) only, and the European Commission and/or ESA cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
