News

Mobile broadband aids search for Genghis Khan

10-02-2010 - The search for the long-lost remains of Genghis Khan, using non-invasive archaeology, is sending key data from a remote part of Mongolia via BGAN.

A team from the University of California in San Diego (UCSD) is using a rugged VRT-100 BGAN terminal, supplied by ViaSat with airtime from distribution partner Stratos, in an ambitious "Valley of the Khans" project. The search is on for a burial site thought to be located in the north east near Choybalsan.

"Having access to BGAN from Stratos, with the rugged VRT-100 terminal, provides us with reliable connectivity in north eastern Mongolia's "Forbidden Zone", one of the world's most remote regions," said Dr Albert Yu-Min Lin, who is leading the research.

Critical role 
"The service is playing a critical role in helping us maintain the highest levels of safety and productivity while in the field."

The project, jointly supported by the National Geographic Society and the Waitt Grants Program, is seeking to solve a centuries' old mystery.

The famous Mongol leader united a kingdom of warring tribes and conquered many territories across Asia, the Middle East and Europe. His influence stretched from Poland to Japan.

Ground-penetrating radar
While Genghis Khan died in 1227 near the Liupan mountains in northern China, it is widely believed his body was returned to his homeland in north east Mongolia, to an area deemed forbidden by his guards after his death.

The project team is conducting an archaeological search for his tomb, using a variety of modern techniques including multi-spectral scanning, ground-penetrating radar and other non-invasive techniques.

BGAN will help the team send back key data from the site for rigorous examination.

"We don't need a shovel to identify a burial site; especially one the size of what we believe would have surrounded Genghis Khan's grave," said Dr Lin, who has close affinity with the search site as he was adopted by a Mongolian family.

Preserve the past 
"This is new technology that will allow us to preserve the past while also giving the world images that eliminate the need to dig up ruins to preserve cultural heritage."

Stratos president and chief executive Jim Parm said: "Our successful contribution of BGAN for this important project showcases the service's portability and high performance.

"We are also grateful for the opportunity to demonstrate the durability of the VRT-100 and its suitability for use in a variety of harsh outdoor environments."

 www.stratosglobal.com

www.valleyofthekhans.org 

Back to previous page.