Satellites and satellite-based systems: Indispensable tools to keep us safe
By providing accurate and timely information and connecting emergency response teams, satellites and satellite-based systems play a critical role supporting first responders and search and rescue teams in emergency situations.
What are some of the satellites and satellite-based systems that provide critical data to keep us safe?
- RADARSAT Constellation Mission and RADARSAT-2: Support relief efforts by providing images of areas affected by disasters.
- Cospas-Sarsat: Detects and communicates the location of emergency beacons activated by aircraft, ships and backcountry hikers in distress.
- Global Positioning System (GPS): Provides positioning information, locates and monitors individuals in distress, and identifies the origin of 911 emergency calls.
Why use satellites and satellite-based systems to ensure our safety?
Getting around safely and efficiently
Ambulance in Montreal, Quebec. (Credit: Stéphane Milot)
Global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) provide positioning, navigation and timing information to first responders. Canadians benefit particularly from the use of the United States' GPS. First responders use navigation systems to locate and monitor individuals and identify the origin of 911 emergency calls.
To support relief efforts worldwide
RCM imagery was provided after the International Charter "Space and Major Disasters" was activated in response to an eruption of Mount Ruang in Indonesia in .
The International Charter "Space and Major Disasters" is a collaborative effort for the benefit of those in need when disasters strike. It provides a unified system of satellite data acquisition and delivery to communities affected by natural or man-made disasters. With 17 Charter members and 270 contributing satellites from around the world, the Charter allows for resources and expertise to be organized for a quick response to catastrophic events. Member space agencies cooperate on a voluntary basis, with no exchange of funds, and each agency has devoted resources to support the Charter. Operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and at no cost to the user, the Charter mobilizes international partners, helping alleviate the effects of disasters on human life and property.
RADARSAT satellites
What are they used for?
Following a Charter activation, members make satellite images of affected areas available to support relief efforts. RADARSAT Constellation Mission (RCM) imagery, supplemented with RADARSAT-2 archives and data, provides support to search and rescue teams on the ground. Timely, reliable and accurate information enables response teams to be better equipped to save lives and limit damage.
To enable timely search and rescue
Cospas-Sarsat facilitates quick detection and rescue.
When it comes to search and rescue operations, time is truly of the essence. The less time ground crews take to locate and get to those who require assistance, the better the chances of survival. Satellites are indispensable for helping reduce this time. The International Cospas-Sarsat Programme is a satellite-based search and rescue system that supports the detection of emergency beacon signals in order to locate aircraft, ships and backcountry hikers in distress. The Programme's goal is to provide timely and reliable alert and location data to help local search and rescue authorities get to those in need as soon as possible.
The Programme's participants operate a satellite system that detects distress alert transmissions from special radio beacons, allowing to determine their position anywhere in the world. That information is then communicated to local search and rescue authorities.
YouTube video - Cospas-Sarsat helps save lives. (Credit: International Cospas-Sarsat Programme)