99744_UM_40S_G 13
1.2 SYSTEM DESCRIPTION
The COSPAS/SARSAT system was introduced in 1982 as a world wide search and
rescue system with the help of satellites covering the earth’s surface. Since the
introduction of the system more than 18865 persons have been rescued by the
COSPAS/ SARSAT system (2004). Currently the system consists of 5 functional
satellites in a polar orbit constellation, these satellites cover the entire earth’s surface
and receive the emergency signal from the 406 MHz transmitter within the Tron 40S,
more polar orbiting satellites will be available in the future, giving a faster location
and rescue time.
In addition several geostationary satellites are equipped with a 406 MHz tranponder,
these satellites are not able to locate the Tron 40S but will give an early warning to
the rescue forces, minimising the time from an emergency occurs till the rescue
forces are at the site.
Each emergency EPIRB in the system is programmed with its own unique code,
therefore it is vital that the ships data that is given to the dealer you obtained your
Tron 40S, is correct. It is also important that your EPIRB is registered in the database
for each country.This database is normally located in the same country that the ship
is registered.
1.2.1 SIGNAL DETECTION [FIG. 1]
When the Tron 40S is activated (manually or automatically) it transmits
on the frequencies 121.5 MHz and 406.025 MHz.An analogue signal is emitted on 121.5
MHz and a digital signal is transmitted on 406.025 MHz. After the Tron 40S is activated,
the next passing satellite will detect the transmitted signal and relay it to an antenna at a
ground station, called a LUT.
For the 121.5 MHz signal the satellite must be within line of sight of both the Tron
40S and a ground station.The ground station or LUT has a 2500 km satellite recep-
tion radius centred at the LUT. In areas without LUT coverage (mostly less popu-
lated areas in the southern hemisphere), signals from the 121.5 MHz transmitter will
not be detected by the satellites, only by passing aircraft’s.This is not the case with
the 406 MHz transmitter, because the satellites have a memory unit which stores the
signals for relay to the next available LUT giving it a truly global coverage.
Once the signal is received by the LUT, it is processed for location and sent to a
Mission Control Centre (MCC).The MCC sorts the alert data according to
geographic search and rescue regions and distributes the information to the appro-
priate Rescue Co-ordination Centre (RCC), or if outside the national search and
rescue area, to the appropriate MCC that covers the area where the distress signal
was detected.The RCC in turn takes the necessary action to initiate search and
rescue activities.
The International Cospas-Sarsat System will cease satellite processing of 121.5/243
MHz beacons from 1 February 2009. From that date only 406 MHz beacons will
be detected by the Cospas-Sarsat satellite system.This affects all maritime beacons
(EPIRBs), all aviation beacons (ELTs) and all personal beacons (PLBs).