A Mini-M INMARSAT system enables transmission of vocal communications, meaning satellite phone links.
Two radar transponders - one of which is a back-up - will indicate the position, altitude and identity of the balloon to air traffic control centers responsible for the regions being overflown.
The extensive range of communications equipment includes two VHF radios for communicating with other aircraft, air traffic control centers and airports - as well as a back-up VHF radio - and two HF radios for communicating with the entire world.
Three GPS (Global Positioning Systems) - including one back-up - are the chief navigation instruments and will keep pilots and the Geneva control center informed of the exact location and altitude of the balloon (to within a few meters), anywhere in the world.
Moreover, the Breitling Orbiter 3 balloon is equipped with an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) operating both on the 121.5 MHz aviation distress frequency and on the 406 MHz maritime frequency. |