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Iridium To Provide Satellite Links To Tsunami Warning Buoys
Bethesda MD (SPX) Jul 04, 2006 Iridium is providing satellite data links for a new system of 31 ocean buoys to be deployed by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Data Center. The system detects and monitors tsunami waves in the open ocean. The system, known as the second-generation Deep-Ocean Assessment and Reporting of Tsunamis, or DART II, comprises pressure-sensitive tsunameters on the seafloor tethered to buoys on the ocean surface. The buoys are equipped with an acoustic modem that receives data from the tsunameter sensors and a small data modem to transmit the pressure measurements. Iridium's constellation of 66 low-Earth orbiting satellites transmits the pressure measurements to NOAA warning centers. Using the data, scientists can issue appropriate warnings to areas that could be affected. The Iridium data link supports two-way data communications, permitting technicians at the warning centers to request tsunameter data from any specific buoy. For example, the warning center could request updates at a faster rate from one or more of the buoys to improve real-time monitoring of a special area of interest. Science Applications International Corporation is conducting testing and field service in the Pacific Ocean on the $37.5 million DART II system. NAL Research, an Iridium value-added manufacturer, is supplying reinforced Iridium data modems for the buoys. "The DART II technology will make it easier and faster for warning centers to alert coastal areas in time to evacuate residents quickly," said Jack Rowley, SAIC's DART manager. "The original DART I system, deployed in the late 1990s, used a high-power geostationary satellite for the data links, but the satellite's footprint limited its coverage to about a third of the Earth's surface," said Ngoc Hoang, president of NAL Research. "The DART II tsunami warning system is a perfect example of how Iridium's global satellite coverage and robust data links can provide vital public safety communications anywhere in the world - even in the middle of the ocean," said Greg Ewert, executive vice president of Iridium Satellite. "Enhancing our system with global monitoring capabilities supports our effort to facilitate widespread deployment of similar systems around the world," said Kathleen O'Neil, chief of operations branch, NOAA. "Other governments and agencies may be interested in building this tsunami detection capability in their own regions." Community Email This Article Comment On This Article Related Links Iridium NOAA NAL Research SAIC Satellite Constellation - multiple satellite deployments in LEO and Beyond
MedStar Using Iridium Phones To Back Up Hospital Communications
Bethesda MD (SPX) Jun 27, 2006Iridium announced Monday that MedStar Health, the largest healthcare system in the Baltimore, Md., and Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, has selected Roadpost to provide Iridium satellite emergency backup communications for its personnel and facilities. Roadpost will supply Iridium hardware and monthly services, including nine multi-channel fixed terminals and 96 mobile handsets. |
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