NASA’s Life-Saving Technology Where Cell Signals Can’t Go

Search and rescue technology developed in part by NASA saved five lives. NASA’s Life-Saving Technology Where Cell Signals Can’t Go. 3 Min Read NASA’s Life-Saving Technology Where Cell Signals Can’t Go Rescued after more than four hours in the water, Easton Barrett (center, red shorts) and his friend were picked up by the U.S.

Coast Guard thanks to a personal locator beacon (PLB). The devise sends a distress signal to satellites that are relayed back to Earth, launching a rescue operation. Credits: Easton Barrett Margo Pierce Science Writer Sep 10, 2026 Article Memorial Day weekend 2024 started with a blue sky and a mild three- to four-foot chop in the water off the Gulf Coast of Mississippi — a perfect day for a fishing competition.

A team of five was about 40 miles offshore checking their sonar, and 30 seconds later the boat was gone. They were in the water struggling to pull on life jackets and grab the coolers as they bobbed up. When a boat sinks, survivors can be virtually invisible amid the vast expanse of water.

When their fishing trip went wrong, Easton Barrett had the only mobile phone and no cell service.