The antenna system of a distress buoy for use in a maritime satellite communication system (MARSAT)

Two different types of antenna systems for a distress buoy for use in the maritime satellite communication system (MARSAT) are described. The buoy radiates signals alternately on the frequencies 2182 kHz (medium frequency (MF) beacon) and 1.65 GHz (
L
band beacon). The
L
band antennas had to be combined with the MF antenna of a commercial buoy. The antenna systems have been tested with success during the application technology satellite (ATS-6) experiments and during a previous European Space Research Organization (ESRO) balloon communication experiment [1].