Space Safety Magazine Unveils Special Report on Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

    NOORDWIJK, NETHERLANDS, July 15, 2014 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Space Safety Magazine has released its latest Special Report Losing Aircraft in the Space Age: Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 illuminates the links between air and space. The Report explores the missing links that could have tracked MH370 more effectively and the limits of Earth observation satellites when it comes to locating an aircraft. The flight went missing on March 8 and has yet to be discovered.

http://www.spacesafetymagazine.com/space-on-earth/malaysia-flight-370/

"We saw a need for a comprehensive look at the use of space assets to support aviation," explains Special Report Editor Tereza Pultarova. "There is a gap in public understanding of how satellites are and how they can be used to track an airplane like MH370 - something we address in this report."

While the disappearance of MH370 remains a mystery, the incident has served to highlight rapidly developing technology in aviation-oriented satellite communications. According to some estimates, 80-90% of aircraft currently have equipment installed that could be used to enable satellite tracking, but the technology has largely remained untapped. As the 100th day since the disappearance of MH370 passes, it bears thinking that such technology could locate future crashes more rapidly and reliably.

"Even many of our resident experts were surprised that a plane could go missing in a world where universal electronic surveillance and satellite coverage has become expected, if not quite accepted," says Managing Editor Merryl Azriel. "After reading this report it should be clear exactly how ubiquitous satellite access and incomplete aviation coverage can coexist, at least for the time being."

Looking beyond immediate tracking needs, the report explores other intersections of air and space, from the hazards of reentering space debris pose for flying aircraft to methods of standardizing more connected air traffic management around the globe.

To receive the Special Report for free straight to your inbox, visit the Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 hub page and subscribe.

About Space Safety Magazine

Space Safety Magazine is a digital publication dedicated to examining safety in spaceflight operations, space systems design, disaster prevention, space debris management, and natural hazards. Founded in 2011, Space Safety Magazine is sponsored by the International Association for the Advancement of Space Safety and the International Space Safety Foundation. Visit www.spacesafetymagazine.com or email us to learn more.

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