Space launch aids Arctic search, rescue missions

The Coast Guard Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) Program, in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) recently launched two 6U CubeSats as a means of evaluating the effectiveness of space-based sensors in support of Arctic search and rescue missions.

Officials said the agencies conducted the launch from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California as part of the Polar Scout project.

“The Polar Scout project presents an opportunity to evaluate the most efficient way to ensure that the United States can project surface presence in the Arctic when and where it is needed while filling an immediate Search and Rescue capability gap in these remote areas,” Jim Knight, the Coast Guard deputy assistant commandant for acquisition, said.

Officials said the CubeSats, Yukon and Kodiak, were launched into a low-earth polar orbit on Spaceflight’s dedicated rideshare mission, SSO-A: SmallSat Express, with other spacecraft from 17 different countries.

“In order to demonstrate, test and evaluate the viability and utility of CubeSats for Coast Guard missions, the Coast Guard RDT&E Program has partnered with DHS S&T to conduct on-orbit testing of CubeSats using the Mobile CubeSat Command and Control (MC3) ground network,” said Holly Wendelin, command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance domain lead.

DHS is slated to begin tests and demonstrations using emergency distress beacons in the Arctic beginning in early 2019 and continuing through the summer.