SAR 4 SAR

The "SAR 4 SAR Initiative" project utilizes the power of satellite imagery from Sentinel 1 and 2 to fasten and increase the effectiveness of search and rescue operations for migrants traveling across the Mediterranean Sea. Search and rescue operations in this area are often expensive for both NGOs and authorities involved, due to the wide extent of SAR areas and the scarce availability of funding and proper monitoring infrastructure and tools. The costs, which typically include fuel for vessels and aircraft, personnel expenses, and operational costs for equipment, communication systems and transportation, can significantly increase depending on the size of the operation, duration, and number of people involved. In this scenario, the use of satellite imagery can not only help save lives but also make search and rescue operations in the Mediterranean Sea more cost-efficient and effective. Our project's key elements include: Reduced need for drones and small aircraft: our satellite imagery technology eliminates the need for costly drones and small aircraft typically involved in maritime surveillance Reduced operational costs: the elimination of drones and small aircraft leads to a consequential reduction in operational costs of SAR missions Availability of information: our technology provides wide spatial and temporal coverage, making information available under any meteorological condition, and even during night-time, thanks to the usage of Sentinel 1 imagery Cost-effective and scalable services: we leverage free satellite data and Google Earth Engine as a free cloud-based HPC infrastructure to offer cost-effective and scalable services. Monitoring of the Mediterranean Sea: our technology offers monitoring of the Mediterranean Sea, helping to alert relevant authorities to any dangerous situations and improve the effectiveness of rescue missions along the most relevant routes