SARSAT

Lifesaving Partners

SARSAT’s success is reliant on the partnership between its founding US Federal Agencies… NOAA, NASA, DAF and USCG

SARSAT 406 Beacon Awareness Day 2024

April 6 is also known as 406 Day in honor of the frequency used by distress beacons. This interactive story map outlines why this day is celebrated.

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Celebrating 40 Years of SARSAT

2022 marked the 40th anniversary of the first lives saved using satellite aid. This interactive story map takes a look at the evolution of this search and rescue system through the years.

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NOAA Satellites helped save 350 lives in 2023

NOAA’s fleet of advanced satellites are essential for predicting weather and climate, and last year they also helped rescue 350 people from potentially life-threatening situations throughout the United States and its surrounding waters.

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Saving Lives Since 1982

406 Beacons continue to prove themselves a lifesaver in remote areas. Here are details on beacons-related U.S. rescues.

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Search and Rescue (SAR)

SAR crews closest to the location of the distress are tasked to carry out the emergency response

406 Emergency Distress Beacons

Cospas-Sarsat 406 MHz beacons are capable of transmitting a distress signal thousands of miles into space

Satellite System

Five different satellite constellations support the SARSAT System, providing comprehensive coverage worldwide

MEOSAR Satellites

Medium Earth Orbit Search and Rescue Satellites -the latest innovation in Satellite Aided Search and Rescue

Local User Terminals

LUTs, also known as ground stations, receive and process distress beacon signals picked up by satellite

Mission Control Center(MCC)

Operators monitor and validate incoming 406 distress beacon data from satellites

Rescue Coordination Center (RCC)

The location and other relevant information regarding the distress are sent to an RCC who initiate a rescue mission

Search and Rescue (SAR)

SAR crews closest to the location of the distress are tasked to carry out the emergency response

SAVING LIVES SINCE 1982

To date over 50,000 people worldwide, in distress situations, have been rescued because they carried a 406 beacon as part of their survival gear.

REGISTER YOUR 406 BEACON

That is the fastest and simplest way for SAR authorities to respond to your distress or confirm a false alert. All U.S. coded beacons must be registered with NOAA