Rescue 21 Augmentation from Space Factsheet

To circumvent the environmental and infrastructure challenges presented in D17, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) is pursuing space-based capabilities. These capabilities offer persistent coverage to these remote regions without the burden of a physical infrastructure to maintain. An Analysis of Alternative completed as part of the DHS S&T Polar Scout Project concluded that spaced-based systems are the only cost effective means of receiving and relaying maritime distress signals in the remote areas of D17.