U.S. Coast Guard SARSAT (Search and Rescue Satellite-Aided Tracking). Volume 1. Technical Evaluation.
Abstract
This volume presents the findings of the U.S. Coast Guard's two year demonstration and evaluation (D&E) of the COSPAS/SARSAT satellite aided search and rescue system for locating distressed vessels and aircraft, a cooperative project of the US, USSR, France, and Canada. The report summarizes results of controlled tests and exercises; analyzes SARSAT's role in actual distress cases; discusses operations of the system's radio beacons, satellites, Coast Guard Rescue Coordination Centers, U.S. Mission Control Center, Local User Terminals, and ground communications; appraises the system's long term economic costs and benefits; and assesses achievement of project objectives. Results indicate that the COSPAS/SARSAT system increased the role of radio beacons in search and rescue cases and provided key information in locating more than one third of Coast Guard ELT/EPIRB distress cases during the D&E, resulting in the rescue of 74 persons. Keywords: Search and Rescue; Satellite Aided Tracking; Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon; Emergency Locator Transmitter; Image Rejection; Alarm Rates.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA178306
Entities
People
- J. Bellantoni
Organizations
- John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center