Cospas–Sarsat LEO and GEO: Satellite distress and safety systems (SDSS)

Cospas–Sarsat Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) networks must provide enhanced service of Satellite Distress and Safety Systems (SDSS); to improve Search and Rescue (SAR) operations in all environments; and to increase safety and security at low cost for numbers of mobiles at sea, on land and in the air. This paper describes the concepts of integrated LEO and GEO space configurations in function of Cospas (space system for search of distress vessels and airplanes) and Sarsat SDSS, and SAR infrastructures. The paper also reviews satellite repeaters providing SDSS service for satellite beacons known as an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons for Maritime, Personal Locator Beacons for land (road and rail), and Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) for aeronautical applications. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.