The European Space Agency ESA and TeleConsult Austria have developed a new internet-based system Sarontar to support rescue missions in the Alps combining satellites and hybrid technologies.
The Sarontar application along with a satellite modem replaces the traditionally used FM radio as it provides more reliability in mountainous regions than the FM radio. The application is able to track, instruct, monitor and record the whole rescue operation and displays all information on a map accessible also for other team members.
The system uses satellite navigation to track the operation in real-time and satellite imagery to provide up-to-date maps. It connects to telecommunication satellites to transfer these information when there is no network connection in the mountains.
A successful exercise has been carried out involving 50 volunteers, a rescue dog brigade, the Alpine police and the local fire brigade to test the new application in case of emergency and is now accessible for the National Alerting and Warning Centre.
