MH370: DCA, Inmarsat release raw satellite data

The Malaysian Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) and British satellite firm Inmarsat have released the raw satellite data communications logs used to used to determine the path of missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370.

The release of the data came following instructions from acting Transport Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein on May 19 for the DCA to discuss with Inmarsat on releasing the raw data for public consumption.

"As a result, the data communication logs from Inmarsat as well as the relevant explanation to enable the reader to understand the data provided is being released," said the brief statement.

The 47 page-long data communications log, among others, comprises time information and frequency.

Yesterday, Hishammuddin said the decision to release the Inmarsat raw data was to fulfill the request of the family members of those who were on board MH370 and the data could also be used by global experts for their analysis.

Earlier this month, family members of those who were on board the missing aircraft had asked the authorities to release the raw data to enable it to be examined for accuracy by relevant experts.

Flight MH370, carrying 239 people from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing, disappeared from radar screens when flying over the South China Sea on March 8 after taking off from KL International Airport here at 12.41 am.