NOAA Satellites Aided 250 Rescues in 2015

The International Search and Rescue Satellite Aided Tracking System uses a network of spacecraft to detect and locate distress signals quickly from emergency beacons aboard aircraft and boats and from hand-held PLBs, enabling the rescues of downed pilots, shipwrecked boaters, stranded hikers, and others.

  • Feb 23, 2016

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reported Feb. 15 that its satellites aided in the rescues of 250 people in 2015 from potentially life-threatening situations throughout the United States and its surrounding waters.

One of them was a U.S. Air Force pilot who had ejected from his F-16 fighter jet last fall north of Las Cruces, N.M. "When he safely reached the ground, the signal from his personal locator beacon, or PLB, was promptly picked up by NOAA satellites; the same spacecraft that help predict and track weather in the United States. That distress signal set into motion a coordinated rescue mission that brought him safely back to his family," according to NOAA.

NOAA satellites are part of the International Search and Rescue Satellite Aided Tracking System, known as COSPAS-SARSAT, which uses a network of spacecraft to detect and locate distress signals quickly from emergency beacons aboard aircraft and boats and from hand-held PLBs, enabling the rescues of downed pilots, shipwrecked boaters, stranded hikers, and others. Distress signals are relayed to the SARSAT Mission Control Center based at NOAA's Satellite Operations Facility in Suitland, Md., with that information going to a Rescue Coordination Center (operated by either the U.S. Air Force for land rescues or the U.S. Coast Guard for water rescues).

"While NOAA satellites are important tools for generating your local weather forecast, they can also mean the difference between life and death if you find yourself stranded in the wilderness or at sea," said Chris O'Connors, NOAA SARSAT's program manager. According to NOAA, last year's 250 saves included 138 rescues on the water, 21 aviation incidents, and 91 land-based events.

Product Showcase

  • The MGC Simple Plus

    The MGC Simple Plus is a simple-to-use, portable multi gas detector that runs continuously for three years without being recharged or routinely calibrated after its initial charge and calibration during manufacturing. The detector reliably tests a worksite’s atmosphere for hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, oxygen and combustible gases (LEL). Its durability enables the detector to withstand the harshest treatment and environments, hence earning it an IP 68 rating. The MGC Simple Plus is also compatible with a variety of accessories, such as the GCT External Pump. Visit gascliptech.com for more information. Read More

  • Full Line of Defense Against Combustible Dust Nilfisk

    Nilfisk provides a comprehensive range of industrial vacuums meticulously crafted to adhere to NFPA 652 housekeeping standards, essential for gathering combustible dust in Class I, Group D, and Class II, Groups E, F & G environments or non-classified settings. Our pneumatic vacuums are meticulously engineered to fulfill safety criteria for deployment in hazardous surroundings. Leveraging advanced filtration technology, Nilfisk ensures the secure capture of combustible materials scattered throughout your facility, ranging from fuels, solvents, and metal dust to flour, sugar, and pharmaceutical powders. Read More

  • SwabTek® Cannabis Test Kit

    The SwabTek® Cannabis Test Kit is a single-use spot test designed for use in screening for cannabis compounds in any sample type or on any surface. The test is capable of identifying the presumed presence of cannabinoids in very small quantities, with a level of detection as little as 6 μg in mass. Learn more about the SwabTek® Cannabis Test Kit and the rest of SwabTek surface drug testing solutions through the webinar titled "Everything You Want To Know About Surface Testing" Read More

Featured

Most   Popular

Artificial Intelligence