Multiple Alert Message Encapsulation over Satellite

Alert systems are key elements for effective management of a disaster. They are used to alert citizens and professional responders. Alert systems should be robust, multi-modal and simple. Satellites are resilient to Earth damages and display an inherent broadcast capability. For these reasons, satellite systems are suited for alert systems either as primary or backup technology. This contribution proposes a flexible encapsulation scheme called MAMES (Multiple Alert Message Encapsulation over Satellite) for transporting alert messages over satellite links. This encapsulation scheme features an optimised byte footprint and is agnostic with respect to the type of alert messages and satellite transmission technology. It can support all the necessary mechanisms to comply with the needs of alert transmission: reliability, prioritisation, geocasting. MAMES specification is currently handled by the SES/SatEC (Satellite Emergency Communications) working group within ETSI.