Emergency message broadcast through SBAS satellites: a novel framework using message type 63 of GAGAN constellation

Abstract

Uninterrupted communication during pre-disaster preparedness and post-disaster recovery greatly reduces mortality. Unfortunately, during natural calamities, communication becomes void as terrestrial communication infrastructure is destroyed and becomes non-functional. In this study, we unveil the innovative use of available message slots, previously filled with SBAS null message, by the GAGAN Messaging Service (GMS), leveraging the GPS-aided GEO Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) satellite constellation to significantly increase the amount of data transmitted. GMS consists of data processing, scheduling, uplinking, and archiving is proposed in the article. It was demonstrated through a field trial validation that, in addition to positioning information, the broadcasted emergency warning messages reached custom-built receivers regardless of their geographical location in the Indian Ocean region. Eventhough SBAS message types other than 63 were being transmitted, the data rates of message type 63 were observed to be consistent over time. Backed up by GMS, technologies such as smartwatches, cell phones, and sirens can provide direct-to-user information services with more efficiency and low latency. GMS services can be extended to other satellite-based augmentation systems to provide multi-hazard safety-of-life information without additional infrastructure across the globe. At the conclusion, an infrastructure-free method of disseminating information straight to the user’s smart phones is highlighted.

Keywords

• GAGAN Messaging Service (GMS)
• message Type 63 (MT63)
• emergency message broadcast
• satellite-based Augmentation system (SBAS)