User's Manual

Y1-03-0241, rev.T2

and time of measurement. This information is transmitted in real time to an earth station called the Local User

Terminal (LUT), which may be within the view of the satellite, as well as being stored for later transmission to

other LUTs.

The LUT processes the Doppler-shifted signal from the LEOSAR and determines the location of the beacon,

then the LUT relays the position of the distress to a Mission Control Center (MCC) where the distress alert and

location information is immediately forwarded to an appropriate Rescue Coordination Center (RCC). The RCC

dispatches Search and Rescue (SAR) forces.

The addition of the GEOSAR satellite system greatly improves the reaction time for a SAR event. This satellite

system has no Doppler capabilities at 406 MHz, but will relay the distress alert to any of the LUT stations.

When there is GPS data included in the distress message, SAR authorities instantly know your location to

within 110 yards (100 m). This speeds up the reaction time by not having to wait for one of the LEOSAR

satellite to pass overhead. Because most of the search and rescue forces presently are not equipped to home

in on the 406 MHz Satellite beacon signal, homing must be accomplished at 121.5 MHz.

6.3 Global Positioning System (GPS)

The GPS system is a satellite group that enables a GPS receiver to

determine its exact position to within 30 m (100 ft.) anywhere on

earth. With a minimum of 24 GPS satellites orbiting the earth at an

altitude of approximately 11,000 miles they provide users with

accurate information on position, velocity, and time anywhere in the

world and in all weather conditions. The PLB350 stores this data

into its distress transmission allowing search and rescue forces to

narrow the search into a very small area and thus minimize the

resources required, dramatically increasing the effectiveness of the

overall operation.

Figure 6- Satellite Coverage

Figure 7- GEOSAR Satellite Orbits

Figure

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GPS

atellite