• Space segment
• Data reception and processing stations (DRPS) network
• System's coordinating centers (SCC) network
• Emergency radio beacons (ERB)

Space segment

Low Earth orbit (LSSRS) and geostationary (GSSRS) satellites process and relay received emergency radio beacon signals. System monitors 406.0–406.1 MHz radio frequency range.

Service globality is ensured by recording received information in spacecraft's mission computer. Data accumulated in satellite's memory module is constantly retransmitted. Therefore, location of every emergency radio beacon can be determined by every active data reception and processing station (DRPS), ensuring recurrent signal processing by ground-based segment.

Data reception and processing stations

DRPS receive signals retransmitted by space system segment, determine source locations and transmit information to respective coordinating center (SCC).

To increase precision, during every satellite communication session, orbit parameters are revised by the means of high stability orbit locator beacons network deployed within the system whose coordinates are known with high precision.

Every DPRS runs self-testing on a regular basis.

Coordination centers

Coordinating centers' functions are to collect data from their DPRS and exchange information with other SCC and search and rescue services. Interoperation is performed within the rules approved on international level, in particular, within the IMO and ICAO framework.
SCC are deployed in every country that has at least one DPRS. In Russia, four DPRS are connected to Moscow SCC.

International COSPAS-SARSAT system Russian segment includes:

• COSPAS satellite constellation;
• Command and measurement complex (satellite control system);
• international coordination and computation center (ICCC) located in Moscow;
• Data reception and processing stations (DRPS) located in Arkhangelsk, Novosibirsk, Moscow and Nakhodka.

Low Earth orbit (LSSRS) and geostationary (GSSRS) satellites process and relay received emergency radio beacon signals. Ground-based data reception and processing stations (DRPS) process satellite signals, determining radio beacons location. Coordination centers (SCC) provide emergency information to search and rescue services.