FishyInverness
Well-Known Member
Having just "attended" McMurdo's really informative webinar on the SAR 'Ecosystem', i've literally just found out about the MEOSAR (Medium Altitude Earth Orbit Search and Rescue) satellites, which are planned to be an operational system from 2018, and their impact on the SAR process....I was quite fascinated (Yes,I know, I know!) so thought it might be worth sharing.....
Apparently, because MEOSAR combines both advantages of the current LEOSAR (Fast to acquire but not accurate without GPS data) and GEOSAR (Slow to acquire but accurate) satellites, it will mean that the next generation of PLB's and EPIRBS will be able to simultaneously relay the distress message AND calculate the beacon location the instant that the alert signal is received. Another interesting development would appear to be something that i've always thought should be on the Beacon wishlist, is that the next generation PLB's will be able to "answer back" so that a message can be returned to the PLB or EPIRB and the unit then tells the casualty that the SAR control centre has received the distress message and are organising the SAR operation!
The next webinar is scheduled for 24th April, and I believe anyone can register on the following link:
http://www.mcmurdogroup.com/webinars/?commid=104809
This one coming up is going to be all about MEOSAR and it's expected effects on Search and Rescue.
Oh, and during the one today, there was talk from McMurdo about seeking to develop an AIS capable PLB/EPIRB. So watch this space...
Apparently, because MEOSAR combines both advantages of the current LEOSAR (Fast to acquire but not accurate without GPS data) and GEOSAR (Slow to acquire but accurate) satellites, it will mean that the next generation of PLB's and EPIRBS will be able to simultaneously relay the distress message AND calculate the beacon location the instant that the alert signal is received. Another interesting development would appear to be something that i've always thought should be on the Beacon wishlist, is that the next generation PLB's will be able to "answer back" so that a message can be returned to the PLB or EPIRB and the unit then tells the casualty that the SAR control centre has received the distress message and are organising the SAR operation!
The next webinar is scheduled for 24th April, and I believe anyone can register on the following link:
http://www.mcmurdogroup.com/webinars/?commid=104809
This one coming up is going to be all about MEOSAR and it's expected effects on Search and Rescue.
Oh, and during the one today, there was talk from McMurdo about seeking to develop an AIS capable PLB/EPIRB. So watch this space...
