Wearing an antenna – without anyone knowing – is making a splash in the world of search and rescue. ESA has provided research and development guidance to Finnish company Patria, with the help of Tampere University of Technology, in designing a search and rescue radio antenna that can be sewn into a life vest.
Made from highly flexible, lightweight material that is robust against water exposure and moist conditions, and resistant to wear and tear, this special antenna has been designed for use by the Cospas-Sarsat worldwide search and rescue satellite system.Cospas-Sarsat has been operating for almost 30 years and has helped to rescue more than 26 000 victims in distress.
