Results of MSAT mobile data service trials in the marine environment

Abstract

The results of a Telesat Mobile Incorporated (TMI) MSAT Mobile Data Service (MDS) evaluation performed during 1992 in the Canadian Arctic are described. Several mobile earth terminals (METs) were installed on the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) icebreaker Sir John Franklin and remained on board during the ship's Arctic patrol. During the voyage, messages and regular global positioning system (GPS) position reports were returned from the ship, via the MET and the associated satellite link, to the Canadian Center for Marine Communications (CCMC) in St. John's, Newfoundland. The successful receipt of the reports was documented to indicate the general reliability of the MDS when used in the Eastern Canadian Arctic.