Satellite communication facilities are provided by the International Maritime Satellite Organization, INMARSAT. The organization was founded in September 3, 1976 and first introduced into the global commercial operation in Its main task is to provide satellite- based services for maritime communication, and to improve distress and safety services.

Telephone and Telex Inmarsat-B Inmarsat-Fleet 77 TelexInmarsat-CTelephoneInmarsat-M

Three Major Components: Satellite Coast Earth Stations (CES) Ship Earth Stations (SES); Land-Mobile Earth Stations (LMES); Aircraft Earth Stations (AES) Overview

Satellite

CES

SES; LMES; AES

Network Operations Centre The “heart” of the system is the NOC located at Inmarsat headquarters in London. Operating 24 hours a day, it monitors, co-ordinates and controls the operational activities of all satellites in the network.

Ocean Region Satellites: AORW – Atlantic Ocean Region West AORE – Atlantic Ocean Region East IOR – Indian Ocean Region POR – Pacific Ocean Region EquipmentTelexTelephone Inmarsat-B Inmarsat-C580 Inmarsat-M870 Fleet

Geostationary Orbit Geostationary Orbit 35,700 Km over the major ocean regions 35,700 Km over the major ocean regions Moves at exactly the same rate as the rotation of the earth Moves at exactly the same rate as the rotation of the earth Equipped with solar panels Equipped with solar panels Almost Global coverage with the exception of the polar regions above 76 degrees North and below 76 degrees South Almost Global coverage with the exception of the polar regions above 76 degrees North and below 76 degrees South Able to handle up to 400 simultaneous phone calls, or several thousand messages. The Space Segment

Network Co-ordinating Station It is located within each ocean region It is located within each ocean region Acts as a type of switch operator; assigning, controlling and monitoring all of the telephone and telex channels between the SES and the CES. Acts as a type of switch operator; assigning, controlling and monitoring all of the telephone and telex channels between the SES and the CES.

OCEAN REGION 1 LES NCS MES LES NCS MES OCEAN REGION 2 NOC