NASA pioneered the technology now used by the international search and rescue system known as Cospas-Sarsat.
NASA pioneered the technology now used internationally for search and rescue operations. When pilots, sailors or other travelers or adventurers are stranded, they can activate a personal locator beacon that uses overhead satellites to relay their call for help and their precise location to local authorities. Since 1982, more than 40,000 people across the world have been rescued thanks to the system.
Read more: http://spinoff.nasa.gov/Spinoff2012/ps_3.html
Image credit: U.S. Coast Guard