The International Charter ‘Space and Major Disasters’: DLR’s Contributions to Emergency Response Worldwide

This article reports on the application of satellite-based Earth observation in the management of major natural or man-made disasters, such as earthquakes, floods, forest fires, landslides, or oil spills. Activities of the International Charter ‘Space and Major Disasters’, an international consortium of space agencies and satellite operators are introduced, and related contributions in terms of rapidly delivered satellite imagery and supporting services are illustrated. In particular, the role of the German Aerospace Center (DLR) is outlined, which became a member of the International Charter ‘Space and Major Disasters’ in October 2010.