The DASS space segment will receive 406 MHz distress beacon signals and transmit them to a ground system partly comprised of ground receiving stations, also known as MEO system Local User Terminals (MEOLUTs). MEOLUTs will compute a beacon’s location from time- and frequency-of-arrival data and will forward that information to national Cospas-Sarsat Mission Control Centers (MCCs), including the USMCC in Suitland, Maryland. MCCs will route data to regional Rescue Coordination Centers (RCCs).
Each DASS-equipped GPS satellite will provide visibility of a large portion of the surface of the Earth. Furthermore, because of the large number of satellites, the GPS constellation can provide continuous coverage of the entire Earth, subject to the availability of suitably located MEOLUTs.
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