This summer, satellite phone communication, made possible by SpaceX devices, has already proven its usefulness. California rescue services managed to save a Girl Scout who fell into a canyon in a desert area.
Satellite communication on the phone
On June 22 this year, a group of seven Girl Scouts and their leaders were hiking near Pico Blanco Mountain in Southern California. Evening was approaching, and they were getting ready to set up camp when one of them slipped and fell into a canyon.
The girl suffered a serious concussion and lost consciousness, and her friends were unable to reach her. This could have been the scene of a Hollywood drama, as there was no mobile network coverage in this location either.
Fortunately, other members of the group had mobile phones that could send text messages directly to the emergency services number 911 via satellite. Thanks to this, within an hour, the first rescue helicopter arrived at the scene and evacuated her to the hospital, and an hour later, the rest of the group was picked up.
Satellite technology
Interestingly, the group members did not even have to report their coordinates to the rescue service. After receiving their message through the new NG911 automated system, rescue service specialists were able to determine where the signal came from using satellite data.
All this was made possible by several companies. First and foremost, SpaceX, which developed this system back in 2022, although at that time, a special antenna was required for a mobile phone to connect to any point in the world.
In 2025, this service became available to T-Mobile subscribers if they use a phone that is no more than four years old. The service has been in test mode since January and is now available to everyone.
Finally, we must thank Intrado, a provider of public safety communications services. They were able to successfully integrate the new satellite-based emergency alert service into the NG911 system.
Provided by: www.space.com
