Satellites tell more than weather...

We all know satellites allow us to view pictures of clouds among other meteorological phenomenon. But did you know satellites can also help save your life? In fact, one set of satellites saved 23 lives just a few days ago.

A ship was en route from Rhode Island to Belgium when suddenly about 1,200 miles east of Cape Cod a fire broke out in the engine room. The ship's radio beacon sent out a distress signal which was detected by a set of NOAA's satellites (part of the international Search and Rescue Satellite-Aided Tracking System called COSPAS-SARSAT). The satellites act by quickly detecting and locating distress signals from emergency beacons onboard ships and aircraft and from handheld personal locator beacons. The location was then relayed to search and rescue personnel at the Coast Guard's Rescue Coordination Center in Norfolk, Va. The fire was able to be contained and finally extinguished. Fourteen of the 23 crew members were then safely transferred to another ship. Nine crew members are still onboard, but will be transfered to another ship on Sunday.

This set of satellites (COSPAS-SARSAT) is now in its 26th year of operation. It has been credited with more than 22,000 rescues worldwide, including more than 5,800 in the United States and its surrounding waters.

Story courtesy of NOAA