[amsat-bb] SarSat Epirbs

["Dave Marthouse" <dmart@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I know this isn't an amateur satellite question but I thought that the folks
with expertise in this field would be on this list and  have the answer.  As
this isn't amateur satellite related please reply to me off list.

I know that leo satellites monitor the epirb and elt frequencies of 121.5,
243.0 and 406.125MHZ for emergency beacons from downed ships and aircraft.
I read that the new 406 epirb frequency will have the capability of sending
data from the new gmdss epirbs that broadcast distressed ships and aircrafts
locations, usually linked to their gps systems.  Are the satellites
listening for this traffic bent-pipe systems that dump this information down
in real-time or are they store and forward systems.  A technical description
of this system would be appreciated.  What downlink frequencies do the
satellites use?  Are they all leo systems or do such systems listen from geo
orbit as well?  How is this information collected from the early generation
of satellites on 121.5 and 243.0.  How are locations pinpointed in the early
generation of birds that only receive the older style of elt/epirbs?  I know
through my research on the net and as an amateur satellite enthusiast that
amateurs pioneered direction finding from satellites using Oscar-7.

Any information would be appreciated.



Dave Marthouse N2AAM
dmart@lynchburg.net


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