The National Search and Rescue Plan updated and signed by participating parties, including NASA in 2007, states that "NASA will support Search and Rescue (SAR) objectives through research and development or application of technology to search, rescue, survival, and recovery systems and equipment, such as location tracking systems, transmitters, receivers, and antennas capable of locating aircraft, ships, spacecraft, or individuals in potential or actual distress."
David W. Affens Search and Rescue Mission Manager + Read More
Dr. Lisa Mazzuca Search and Rescue Mission Deputy Manager + Read More
James W. Christo Search and Rescue Ground System Manager + Read More
January 29, 2013
52 NM southwest of Wainwright, AK + View the Report
January 26, 2013
2 NM west of West Caicos Island, and 8 NM SW of Providenciales Island in Turks and Caicos + View the Report
Innovation: The Distress Alerting Satellite System
Taking the Search out of Search and Rescue
In 1997, a Canadian government study determined that an improved search and rescue system would be one based on medium-Earth orbit satellites, which can provide full global coverage, can determine beacon location, and would need fewer ground stations. This month’s column examines the architecture of the GPS-based Distress Alerting Satellite System and takes a look at early test results. Read More
May 24, 2010 — The Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites (GOES) have the ability to constantly oversee a large area of the Earth and send real time data to users. GOES sends not only weather data but it also watches the sun continuously and at the same time provides critical data that helps rescue personal locate victims in distress.
This is a story about an incredibly challenging rescue that took place on January 2nd, 2010, 250 miles off the shore of North Carolina. Dennis Clements was on his way to the Caribbean when severe weather struck and damaged his boat leaving him alone in the middle of the frigid Atlantic Ocean.
