No Victim Left Behind: Developing a Dual-Use LEO Satellite System for Real-Time Population Mapping and Everyday Connectivity

Disasters often disrupt communication infrastructure, impeding damage assessment and rescue operations. This paper presents a method for real-time population distribution mapping during disasters using the widespread prevalence of smartphones and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites. The system detects signals emitted by smartphones using LEO satellites equipped with directional antennas. By analyzing the received signal strength indicators (RSSI), it generates high-resolution population distribution maps in affected areas, providing critical information for resource allocation and rescue efforts. The system's design allows for functionality during both normal and emergency conditions, offering connectivity and location-based services in daily life while supporting disaster response efforts. A proof-of-concept experiment demonstrates the detection of smartphone signals from tall buildings, confirming the system's ability to distinguish between the presence and absence of smartphones in the observed area based on the detected spectra. This preliminary result suggests the feasibility of estimating population distribution by detecting leaked signals from smartphones during disasters. Further research is needed to address challenges such as precise localization, indoor signal detection, and system scalability. This research explores the integration of satellite technology with mobile devices for effective disaster management, contributing to the development of resilient and efficient emergency response strategies.