406 Day 2019

We’re counting down to #406Day19! 🛰️

So what is this day all about? 406 Day is meant to raise awareness about the 406 MHz signal that’s produced by emergency beacons. NOAA satellites are used to detect this signal and locate mariners, aviators, and recreational enthusiasts in distress almost anywhere in the world at any time and in almost any condition.

NOAA satellites is part of the International Search and Rescue Satellite Aided Tracking System, known as COSPAS-SARSAT. This system uses a network of spacecraft to detect and locate distress signals quickly from emergency beacons onboard aircraft and boats, and from hand-held Personal Locator Beacons or PLBs. With specialized technology onboard, NOAA’s polar-orbiting and geostationary satellites can detect the location of downed pilots, shipwrecked boaters and stranded hikers. As the satellites capture the distress signal, it is relayed to the SARSAT Mission Control Center based at NOAA’s Satellite Operations Facility in Suitland, Maryland. From there, the information is quickly sent to a Rescue Coordination Center, operated by either the U.S. Air Force for land rescues or the U.S. Coast Guard for water rescues. Truly, SARSAT takes the "search" out of search and rescue!

For more information on SARSAT and 406 Day, visit bit.ly/406Day19