Simulation of Local User Terminal Implementation for Low Earth Orbiting (LEO) Search and Rescue Satellites

NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) - LEO environmental satellites provide continuous coverage of Earth, supplying high-resolution global meteorological, oceanic and space observation data. In addition, these satellites are part of the international COSPAS - SARSAT program, which aides search and rescue teams worldwide. The USA segment is referred to as SARSAT (Search and Rescue Satellite Aided Tracking) system, designed to provide distress alert and location data in order to assist on search and rescue operation. SARSAT system detects and locates distress beacons (406 MHz) activated at distress location. System calculates the location of distress event using Doppler processing techniques. Processed data is repeatedly retransmitted to Local User Terminals (LUT) when satellites are in view and also stored in on-board memory. A simulation of implementing a Local User Terminal (LUT) in Kosovo and respective communication reliability analyses are provided through this paper. The methodology applied for LUTKOS simulation is applicable for other sites.