Copernicus Security Service (CSS)

The Copernicus Security Service is the EU Copernicus programme's thematic service dedicated to security applications, providing satellite Earth observation data and derived information products to support European Union security policies. It is not a single agency but a coordinated service managed by three EU bodies: Frontex (European Border and Coast Guard Agency) for border surveillance, EMSA (European Maritime Safety Agency) for maritime surveillance, and the EU Satellite Centre (SatCen) for Support to EU External and Security Actions (SESA).

The Border Surveillance component supports the EUROSUR framework by delivering near-real-time mapping and monitoring of the EU's external land and sea borders to reduce irregular migration fatalities and combat cross-border crime. Maritime surveillance integrates Sentinel-1 SAR radar data with Automatic Identification System (AIS) signals and other sources to address maritime safety, pollution detection, fisheries control, and law enforcement across European waters. SESA, managed by SatCen under a contribution agreement extending to 2027, provides crisis prevention and response support including humanitarian aid, security of EU citizens, rule-of-law missions, transport safety, climate security, and cultural heritage protection. Sentinel-1's day-and-night, all-weather synthetic aperture radar capability is the primary satellite sensor, supplemented by Sentinel-2 optical imagery for background reference mapping and other high-resolution data. The service delivers geospatial intelligence products, risk assessments, and situational awareness reports to Member States' border and coast guard authorities, Frontex, EMSA, EFCA, and other EU institutions.

Capabilities:

• Border surveillance: Near-real-time EO mapping of EU external land and sea borders (EUROSUR)
• Maritime surveillance: Sentinel-1 SAR vessel detection, pollution monitoring, fisheries control
• SESA crisis support: Geospatial intelligence for humanitarian aid, rule of law, and security missions
• Sentinel-1 SAR (day/night all-weather) combined with Sentinel-2 optical reference maps
• Integration with AIS, Eurosur Fusion Services, and in-situ observation networks
• Geospatial intelligence products and situational awareness reports to EU authorities