PAGE CONTENTS
Objectives
The purpose of SARFOS is to develop a forward emergency response coordination and communication system using a combination of latest technologies in the field of integrated satellite and terrestrial communication, navigation and information databases. In response to demand, the aim is to define, implement and finally demonstrate a prototype system designed especially for and in cooperation with key mountain rescue services.
| The innovation of the SARFOS project is the ability to provide services in rural or remote areas without any terrestrial communication system coverage. Mobile satellite communication will be seamlessly integrated so the individual user won’t have to bother with the availability and selection of individual communication links. |
Challenges
The SARFOS project focused on the development of a forward emergency communication system. The innovation of the SARFOS project was to provide the services also in rural or remote areas without terrestrial communication system coverage.
The emphasis of the work in this project was put on the integration of the mobile unit and its interfaces. Software applications and user interfaces on both ends of the system were another key part.
Plan
The SARFOS project will be carried out in three phases:
- The first phase (definition phase) investigated software and hardware requirements based on the user requirements. This phase had 2 months duration.
- The development phase (second phase) focused on the development of SMU, MCC and FOS and lasted 9 months.
- Phase 3 (demonstration phase) consisted of the demonstration system validation by means of different campaigns and lasted 5 months.
Key milestones were:
| Baseline Design Review | March 1, 2005 |
| Mid-Term Review | December 6, 2005 |
| Final Review | May 18, 2006 |
Current Status
The SARFOS project was successfully finished with the Final Review and the Final Presentation at ESTEC on May 18th 2006 and is now on the way to industralisation and further development.