SARSAT Mission Statement

Our Vision

To take the “search” out of search and rescue

Our Mission Statement

The SARSAT Program protects life and property by providing accurate, timely, and reliable distress alert and location information to search and rescue authorities

Our Mission Overview

NOAA’s SARSAT Program manages, coordinates, and implements the United States activities in the international Cospas-Sarsat search and rescue program

The mission of the SARSAT Program is fulfilled by:

  1. Collecting and distributing reliable and accurate distress alert data in a timely fashion using satellite receiving stations and a mission control center.
  2. Coordinating with national and international organizations on frequency management, satellite, emergency beacon and search and rescue issues.
  3. Maintaining a national register for 406 MHz emergency beacons.
  4. Serving as the lead agency within the United States, and representing the United States to the International Cospas-Sarsat Program.