Frequency spectrum availability for search and rescue satellite systems in the light of the results of the WARC 1979

Satellite systems facilitate search and rescue missions, and it is important that the Radio Regulations of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) contain the necessary provisions to allow safety services to operate smoothly in an interference-free environment. All frequency bands between 121 MHz and 31 GHz that the World Administrative Radio Conference (WARC) of 1979 allocated, with primary status, to the Mobile Satellite Service, the Aeronautical Mobile Satellite Service, and the Maritime Mobile Satellite Service are presented. To ensure an interference-free environment, it is stressed that only those frequency bands that are exclusively allocated to the Mobile Satellite Service by WARC should be considered for search and rescue satellite systems (1544-1545 MHz/1645.5-1646.5 MHz). The use of these bands should be carefully studied so that they can be optimally used for beacon-based search operation, as well as for the priority communications of vehicles involved in rescue operations.