Rescuing adventurers...from space
May 10, 2005 18: 15 EST
What does NASA have to do rescuing explorers? The NOAA-N (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) spacecraft that is scheduled to launch tomorrow is equipped with instruments that aid in search and rescue operations.
When other forms of communication fail
When aviators, mariners, or hikers in trouble set off a beacon, a signal is transmitted to a satellite orbiting overhead. That signal is immediately relayed to a global network of emergency coordination centers on Earth. In turn, the appropriate rescue force is sent to the exact location of distress. Although other means of communication are available, there have been times when these devices haven't worked, according to David Affens, NASA search and rescue mission manager.
18,000 lives saved
The Search and Rescue Satellite-Aided Tracking System, in place since 1982, has saved about 18,000 lives. In addition to the search and rescue technology, the NOAA-N spacecraft will collect information about the earth’s atmosphere to improve weather prediction and climate research.
NOAA-N is the first in a series of polar-orbiting satellites to be part of a joint cooperation project with the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMESTAT).
NOAA-N is the 15th in a series of polar-orbiting satellites dating back to 1978. NOAA uses two satellites, a morning and afternoon satellite, to ensure every part of the Earth is observed at least twice every 12 hours.
Image of the COSPAS-Sarsat overview courtesy of NASA.
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