AN EVOLUTION FROM COSPAS-SARSAT TO NEW GLOBAL SEARCH AND RESCUE SYSTEMS

摘要

This study analyzes the Search And Rescue (SAR) future user requirements beyond the year 2003. It models the ground systems, the space segment, the satellite communications channel and the SAR events. It ends with a Figure of Merit for all potential Follow-On SAR Systems (FOSS), such as the cost per SAR event and the overall total system cost. Being software driven, it has the universality to quantify the impact of any parameter on the efficiency of SAR, making it a dynamic optimization tool. One of the results of the study is the potential for more lives saved at a lower overall system cost to the service providers, if 406 MHz beacons are used, particularly the ones with integrated GPS receivers. The numerical results provided are limited to today's and near term technology. However, the key feature of this methodology is its capability to model any new system, simply by providing new input data and equations. Although the data presented applies to the Canadian SAR, this study is intended to apply worldwide and to any specific country, service provider, satellite designer and any SAR stakeholder. One spin-off of this study is the potential for designing small, mini or microsats for optimum SAR missions.