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Overview[]

The Cospas-Sarsat Program (Cosmicheskya Systemya Poiska Avararihich Sudov (Russian for “Space System for the Detection of Vessels in Distress”) – Search and Rescue Satellite Aided Tracking) is an international organization that provides space-based relay of distress signals, or alerts, from emergency beacons that use the 406 megahertz (MHz) frequency. Cospas-Sarsat provides the alerts to search and rescue (SAR) authorities internationally.

The governments of Canada, France, Russia and the United States (the Parties) signed an agreement to provide for the long-term operation of the system and to support the objectives of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) concerning search and rescue. it became fully operational in 1984. Currently, 29 countries are involved with the operation and management of the COSPAS-SARSAT system with 26 Mission Control Centers (MCC).

In addition to the four Parties and the two Participating Organizations (IMO and ICAO), Cospas-Sarsat international participation includes 26 Mission Control Centers (MCC).

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