Saving Lives with Satellite Communications

The first satellite that went into outer space was put into low elliptical orbit by the Soviet Union in 1951. Little did anyone know the significance of this event? There are currently over 800 satellites in orbit around the globe and they do their part in providing intelligence, military support, research, and commercial television. However, over the last decade or so the use of satellites has become a very important part of first response and rescue missions.

Around the world a crisis can happen at any given time. Earthquakes, hurricanes, wild fires, flooding and even terrorist attacks will require large scale emergency response that will need immediate coordination to minimize the loss of life.  It’s not always practical or easy to put together a method of communications that can cross many different agencies, rescue personnel and first responders. The task of quickly setting up a communication network can be daunting and can waste away several precious hours that are desperately needed for helping those in need.

With the use of satellite communications the amount of time needed to set up a network for communication can be narrowed down to minutes. A satellite can be called into action quickly and it has the ability to cover territory that would otherwise be without consistent communication. A crisis does not always happen in populated areas where cell towers or landlines are accessible. Often when they are accessible, they are compromised by the disaster or even with congestion from victims trying to communicate with loved ones.

Not only will satellite communication allow for telephony connection it can also serve as a broadband internet connection capable of consistent video streaming for surveillance and conference reasons. This allows a multi level communication platform that will meet the needs of almost all emergency and first responder personnel.Support from commercial satellite companies usually comes with the options for seasonal use so budget strapped agencies don’t pay for services when they are not using them. This allows smaller response agencies the ability to utilize these methods of communication while remaining fiscally responsible.

No matter what the emergency is, communication is the most important factor in a successful mission and no other method of communication or network can supply the level of up time and reliability that satellite services can offer. This true innovation straight out of the cold war has gone a long way in making sure the world is a safer place for everyone.