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MEOSAR Beacon Modernization Discussion

MEOSAR Beacon Modernization Discussion. RCC-SARSAT Conference 23-25 February 2010. Dan Lemon 443 964-4204 dan.lemon@noaa.gov. Beacon Modernization Objectives. Overcome limitations of current 406 MHz beacons operating through the LEOSAR-GEOSAR system

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MEOSAR Beacon Modernization Discussion

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  1. MEOSAR Beacon ModernizationDiscussion RCC-SARSAT Conference23-25 February 2010 Dan Lemon443 964-4204dan.lemon@noaa.gov

  2. Beacon Modernization Objectives • Overcome limitations of current 406 MHz beacons operating through the LEOSAR-GEOSAR system • Identify operational ‘requirements’ of SAR personnel…things they need or want…for new beacons operating through MEOSAR • Develop Cospas-Sarsat and other national and international standards for new beacons and for the MEOSAR ground system that match the ‘requirements’ • Expand beacon usage within communities that should use beacons • Dramatically improve Cospas-Sarsat performance and capabilities

  3. Today’s Session • Provide some background on the beacon modernization effort • Allow you to discuss SAR requirements for new beacons that will operate through the MEOSAR system • Prepare you to complete, and to help other RCC controllers to complete, the NOAA questionnaire which is due by 15 March

  4. Cospas-Sarsat System Evolution • LEOSAR system launched for 121.5 MHz ELTs and EPIRBs • 406 MHz EPIRBs and ELTs introduced • GEOSAR system added • 121.5 MHz EPIRBs ‘outlawed’ • 406 MHz PLBs introduced • Satellite processing of 121.5 MHz alerts terminated • MEOSAR system and beacons under development

  5. Assumptions • MEOSAR space segment launches will remain on schedule, and the MEOSAR ground system coverage will be about 98% in 2015 • New beacons will be appearing on the market initially within the 2014-2016 timeframe • MEOSAR will be compatible with existing 406 MHz beacons, but the LEOSAR system will not process the new beacons • Some new beacons will have a return link capability that will operate outside the Cospas-Sarsat System

  6. LEO-GEOSAR Limitations/Concerns • Non-continuous satellite coverage for system located alerting • Sub-optimal probability of detection of beacons • Need for at least three bursts for a location during what could be a short satellite exposure time • Frequent dependence on low elevation satellites • Need for very precise beacon oscillators to support Doppler locating and ambiguity resolution…one cost driver for beacons • Long average time to deliver located alerts

  7. Beacon Limitations/Concerns • Beacon cost, size and weight • Power hungry…beacon operating 24 hours needs a battery able to produce 1,728 five watt signals plus any homing signals and other functions • Mix of complex coding protocols • Sub-optimal for 406 MHz homing • GPS capability is not ubiquitous • Transmissions of 406 and 121.5 MHz signals are both compromised by sharing an antenna • Communications are one-way

  8. MEOSAR Characteristics • More than ten times as many satellites as LEOSAR providing continuous global coverage • Optimum satellite altitudes with larger footprints • Single beacon burst locating • Better accuracy • Single location per beacon signal (no ambiguity) • Better probability of detection • System located alerts delivered in less than ten minutes

  9. MEOSAR/New BeaconNeeds and Wants for SAR? • System locations? • Encoded locations? • Time to first alert? • Alert intervals? • Homing? • Operating time? • Alert message content? • Temperature extremes? • Return Link?

  10. NOAA Voluntary Questionnaireon New Beacons that will Operate throughthe Future Cospas-SarsatMedium Earth Orbit Search and Rescue (MEOSAR) System Due 15 March 10

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