42 • The Space Sector Luxembourg has extensive expertise and know-how in the satellite field. In the area of defence and security, there is a fast-growing demand for secure satellite capabilities for government use. The requirements are for communications, observation, and for the capture, storage, provision and analysis of data. The Luxembourg army has fully embraced the field of satellite communications. That engagement already enables it to intervene occasionally in response to critical requirements. Pursuance of this effort will see the establishment of a highly valued capability that is easy to integrate into multinational units and can be deployed continuously in diverse operational scenarios. Secure satellite communications ensure an additional layer of resilience for critical national systems, provide a secure, constant link with deployed forces in all circumstances and offer satellite link availability to other Allies. Considering the growing demand for these special requirements, the nations are seeking alternative multinational solutions, including with the private sector. Luxembourg has positioned itself to be able to meet these requirements with the launch of a government satellite – GovSat-1 – under a public-private partnership. Depending on requirements, and once GovSat-1 is fully operational, the Luxembourg Defence will consider the merits of gradually deploying a constellation of satellites over the coming decade. The Luxembourg Defence will continue to actively explore opportunities in the space sector, from a European and transatlantic perspective, particularly within the Wideband Global Satellite Communications System (WGS) programme. The defence organization will furthermore consider options for engaging in a space observation programme, in view of our national expertise in the field of space programmes, data processing and imagery interpretation. • Military Medicine Military medicine is one of the critical shortfalls within NATO and the EU. With every deployment, provision must be made for medical protection, ranging from basic medical assistance to the deployment of fully equipped field hospitals. Luxembourg is developing a military medicine project designed to establish operationally deployable medical teams, compliant with approved military standards, in partnership with national civilian players. The general concept of the project provides for three key pillars: - trauma surgery and reanimation: establishment of a team of doctors and nursing staff. This team will be operationally deployable and, when not deployed, be placed at the disposal of a national hospital facility, particularly in the event of a major national crisis; - infectious diseases: a medical team will be established for deployment – for the UN, NATO or the EU – to collect samples of biological agents or pathogens posing a safety hazard. This team will work closely with national players such as the National Health Laboratory, and can be placed at the disposal of a national hospital facility when not deployed. Under this project, the Luxembourg Defence will also contribute to reinforcing national care capacities for treating contagious patients; - a medical crisis response centre: an additional bed capacity for wounded military personnel or for use in the event of a national or international crisis will be adjoined to an existing national hospital facility. This crisis centre will also serve as a venue for training and exercises for the medical teams and will be open to national and international partners. The medical evacuation capabilities (fixed-wing aircraft or helicopters) implemented within the Air Component can be used in conjunction with the military medical teams and equipment provided under this project, which is being developed in close cooperation with the Ministry of Health and national health structures.