Performance Evaluation of Satellite-Based Search and Rescue Services: Galileo vs. Cospas-Sarsat

The European satellite navigation system Galileo is a highly promising technology with communication capabilities providing an enhanced search-and-rescue (SAR) service in combination with the current Cospas-Sarsat system. Our development focuses on a high reliable hybrid communication infrastructure for wide area fire fighter missions. The combination of a terrestrial network infrastructure and the enhanced Galileo SAR service supports communication out of coverage in distress situations. The improved Galileo SAR service is compared to the actual Cospas-Sarsat implementation in this paper. Architectural building blocks which are particular belonging to either Cospas-Sarsat or Galileo are highlighted. Simulation results reflect disparities in quantitative figures from which performance indicators for the SAR service quality are deduced. The necessity of Galileo SAR for high reliable and fast applications in emergency situations is shown and an optimal number of additional Galileo satellites carrying SAR payload is derived.