SARSAT

5 people rescued from plane crash in Coos Bay, Oregon

On April 7, a private passenger jet overshot the runway at Southwest Oregon Regional Airport and crashed into Coos Bay. Thanks to the quick notification from the plane’s ELT, all 5 passengers were rescued.

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SARSAT 406 Beacon Awareness Day 2025

April 6 is also known as 406 Day in honor of the frequency used by distress beacons. This interactive story map outlines why this day is celebrated.

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U.S Coast Guard takes the lead on SARSAT

On Wednesday, October 1, the Coast Guard will take over management of the U.S. Search and Rescue Satellite-Aided Tracking (SARSAT) program from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

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Lifesaving Partners

SARSAT’s success is contingent on the partnership between its founding US Federal Agencies: NOAA, NASA, DAF, and USCG.

NOAA Satellites helped save 411 lives in 2024

NOAA’s fleet of advanced satellites are essential for predicting weather and climate, and last year they also helped rescue 411 people from potentially life-threatening situations throughout the United States and its surrounding waters.

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Saving Lives Since 1982

406MHz Beacons are lifesavers in remote ares. Since 1982, they have contributed to saving over 60,000 lives. Click on the link below to see recent saves in the United States.

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406 Emergency Distress Beacons

Cospas-Sarsat 406 MHz beacons are capable of transmitting a distress signal thousands of miles into space

Satellite System

Five different satellite constellations support the SARSAT System, providing comprehensive coverage worldwide

MEOSAR Satellites

Medium Earth Orbit Search and Rescue Satellites -the latest innovation in Satellite Aided Search and Rescue

Local User Terminals

LUTs, also known as ground stations, receive and process distress beacon signals picked up by satellite

Mission Control Center(MCC)

Operators monitor and validate incoming 406 distress beacon data from satellites

Rescue Coordination Center (RCC)

The location and other relevant information regarding the distress are sent to an RCC who initiate a rescue mission

Search and Rescue (SAR)

SAR crews closest to the location of the distress are tasked to carry out the emergency response

SAVING LIVES SINCE 1982

To date over 50,000 people worldwide, in distress situations, have been rescued because they carried a 406 beacon as part of their survival gear.

REGISTER YOUR 406 BEACON

That is the fastest and simplest way for SAR authorities to respond to your distress or confirm a false alert. All U.S. coded beacons must be registered with NOAA

The U.S. government is closed.

This site will not be updated; however, NOAA websites and social media channels necessary to protect lives and property will be maintained. To learn more, visit commerce.gov.

For the latest forecasts and critical weather information, visit weather.gov.

For important information on Ameri-King ELT air worthiness Directives, recalls on Kannad EPIRBS, how to avoid Inadvertant 406 beacon activations, and a warning regarding unapproved beacon batteries, visit our safety notices page.