Beacon monitoring system

How the 406 MHz monitoring system works

1. A distress beacon is activated.
2. The signal is transmitted to the nearest sub-orbital satellite. These are satellites that remain in stationary position over the same area of the earth's surface or those that are constantly circling the earth in polar orbits.
3. The signal is transmitted from the satellites to the nearest local user terminal. These are placed around the globe, to ensure signals are received almost immediately.
4. The signal is passed to the Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ).
5. RCCNZ mobilises search and rescue resources and directs them to the coordinates of the signal.

For more information click on COSPAS-SARSAT.