2026-11-02 | A major milestone for the Cospas-Sarsat Programme!

Effective 2 November 2026, the Cospas-Sarsat System has been declared at Initial Operational Capability (IOC) for Second-Generation Beacons (SGBs) based on the MEOSAR System, following the decision of the 75th session of the Cospas-Sarsat Council (CSC-75).

This achievement reflects years of dedicated work, technical innovation and close collaboration among the Cospas-Sarsat Administrations, partner organizations, industry and international organizations, including ICAO, IMO and ITU.

Second-Generation Beacons can transmit more information, provide improved accuracy in locating people in distress and help search and rescue services respond more effectively.

Another important step forward in strengthening the global satellite-based search and rescue system and our shared mission of saving lives.