UNITED STATES MISSION CONTROL CENTER
A mission control center (MCC) serves as
the hub of information sent by the Cospas-Sarsat system. The main function
of an MCC is to collect, store, and sort alert
data from LUTs and other MCCs,
and to distribute alert data to RCCs, SPOCS, and
other MCCs. All Cospas-Sarsat MCCs
are interconnected through nodal MCCs that handle
data distribution in a particular region of the world. Currently, there are
four data distribution regions served by the United
States, France,
Russia
and Australia.
The system utilizes several communication modes to ensure the reliable
distribution of alert data and system information.
The United States
Mission Control
Center (USMCC) in
Suitland, MD
(a suburb of Washington, DC)
serves as the focal point of U.S.
Cospas-Sarsat alert data. It also performs the role of coordinating
spacecraft operations. The USMCC is operated by the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and co-located with NOAA's Satellite
Operations Control
Center (SOCC) just outside Washington,
DC in Suitland,
MD. The operation is
manned 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. However, the vast majority of alert
data distribution is handled automatically. The USMCC is administered by
the Direct Services Division of NOAA which also represents U.S.
interests in international Cospas-Sarsat meetings.
|