The International Cospas-Sarsat Program is a satellite-based search and rescue (SAR) distress alert detection and information distribution system, best known for detecting and locating emergency beacons activated by aircraft, ships and backcountry hikers in distress. The International Cospas-Sarsat Program began as a joint effort of Canada, France, the United States, and the former Soviet Union in 1979.  It was formally constituted as an intergovernmental organization in 1988 through the International Cospas-Sarsat Program Agreement (the Agreement or ICSPA) signed by the four “Parties” to the Agreement: Canada, France, the USA and the former USSR.  The Russian Federation replaced the USSR as Party to the Agreement in January 1992. Including the four Parties to the Agreement, 43 States and 2 organizations (the Participants) are now currently formally associated with the Program and actively participate in the management and the operation of the Cospas-Sarsat System (the System). COSPAS (КОСПАС) is an acronym for the Russian words "Cosmicheskaya Sistema Poiska Avariynyh Sudov" (Космическая Система Поиска Аварийных Судов), which translate to "Space System for the Search of Vessels in Distress".
 

Rescue Coordination Centers
 

 Alaska Rescue Coordination Center

Alaska is a vast and rugged state, with a geography that poses significant challenges for search and rescue. With more miles of coastline than the other 49 states combined, and complex terrain, search and rescue operations in Alaska require careful planning, coordination, and execution. Because of its sheer size and varied geography, search and rescue operations in Alaska are carried out by several different agencies, including Alaska Air National Guard’s 176th Wing, the United States Coast Guard, the National Park Service, Alaska State Troopers, and the Civil Air Patrol. The success of search and rescue operations in Alaska depends on the close coordination and collaboration of these multiple agencies. Each agency brings its own unique skillset to the table, and together they work to ensure that individuals in distress receive the help they need as quickly and safely as possible. The Alaska Rescue Coordination Center (AKRCC) plays a critical role in coordinating search and rescue operations across the state. 

 Air Force Rescue Coordination Center

As the United States' inland search and rescue coordinator, the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center serves as the single agency responsible for coordinating on-land federal SAR activities in the 48 contiguous United States, Mexico and Canada.

The AFRCC operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The center directly ties in to the Federal Aviation Administration's alerting system and the U.S. Mission Control Center. In addition to the Search and Rescue Satellite Aided Tracking information, the AFRCC computer system contains resource files that list federal and state organizations, which can conduct or assist in SAR efforts throughout North America.
 

 U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Coordination Centers

Coast Guard RCCs coordinate maritime search and rescue responses within specific geographic areas. These areas are divided into 9 separate Districts: