Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Malaysia Airlines Flight 370: Satellite data released after long wait - CNN





  • The notes provided still "leave many questions unanswered," an expert says

  • The information is lacking important elements, a CNN safety analyst says

  • A passenger's partner says she's annoyed more data wasn't released

  • Inmarsat and Malaysian authorities release a 47-page document of complex information




Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (CNN) -- [Breaking news update, posted at 8 a.m. ET]


When asked why Inmarsat released raw data communication logs from missing Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, but not the model Inmarsat used with the data to estimate the plane's location, Inmarsat CEO Rupert Pearce said Tuesday that the decision lies with the Malaysian government. "We'd be perfectly happy to put that model out," Pearce told CNN's "New Day."


[Earlier version, posted at 6:12 a.m. ET]


(CNN) -- Data from communications between satellites and missing Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 was released Tuesday, more than two months after relatives of passengers say they requested that it be made public.


But criticism quickly emerged suggesting that the information provided lacks important elements that would help outside experts put the official version of events to the test.


Malaysian authorities published a 47-page document containing hundreds of lines of communication logs between the jetliner and the British company Inmarsat's satellite system.


The information provided isn't the whole picture but is "intended to provide a readable summary of the data communication logs," the notes at the beginning of the document say.









Relatives of Chinese passengers who were on Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 listen to part of the audio communications between Flight 370's cockpit and air traffic controllers during a meeting with Malaysian officials Wednesday, April 30, in Beijing. The flight has been missing since March 8.Relatives of Chinese passengers who were on Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 listen to part of the audio communications between Flight 370's cockpit and air traffic controllers during a meeting with Malaysian officials Wednesday, April 30, in Beijing. The flight has been missing since March 8.



An autonomous underwater vehicle is brought back aboard the Australian ship Ocean Shield after a search mission for the flight Saturday, April 19, in the southern Indian Ocean.An autonomous underwater vehicle is brought back aboard the Australian ship Ocean Shield after a search mission for the flight Saturday, April 19, in the southern Indian Ocean.



A Royal Malaysian Air Force plane takes off from an airbase near Perth, Australia, to help in the search on Thursday, April 17.A Royal Malaysian Air Force plane takes off from an airbase near Perth, Australia, to help in the search on Thursday, April 17.



Operators aboard the Australian ship Ocean Shield move Bluefin-21, the U.S. Navy's autonomous underwater vehicle, into position to search for the jet on Monday, April 14.Operators aboard the Australian ship Ocean Shield move Bluefin-21, the U.S. Navy's autonomous underwater vehicle, into position to search for the jet on Monday, April 14.



A member of the Royal New Zealand Air Force looks out of a window while searching for debris off the coast of western Australia on Sunday, April 13.A member of the Royal New Zealand Air Force looks out of a window while searching for debris off the coast of western Australia on Sunday, April 13.



British Royal Navy sailors aboard the vessel HMS Echo take part in the search for the jet on April 13.British Royal Navy sailors aboard the vessel HMS Echo take part in the search for the jet on April 13.



Crew members aboard the Echo watch a smaller boat that's part of the British search effort on April 13.Crew members aboard the Echo watch a smaller boat that's part of the British search effort on April 13.



The Echo moves through the waters of the southern Indian Ocean.The Echo moves through the waters of the southern Indian Ocean.



A map provided Saturday, April 12, details efforts to find the missing jet.A map provided Saturday, April 12, details efforts to find the missing jet.



Chinese navy personnel head out on a boat to the Royal Australian Navy ship HMAS Success on Wednesday, April 9.Chinese navy personnel head out on a boat to the Royal Australian Navy ship HMAS Success on Wednesday, April 9.



A Royal Australian Air Force AP-3C Orion, on a mission to drop sonar buoys to assist in the search, flies past the Australian vessel Ocean Shield on April 9.A Royal Australian Air Force AP-3C Orion, on a mission to drop sonar buoys to assist in the search, flies past the Australian vessel Ocean Shield on April 9.



A relative of a missing passenger cries at a vigil in Beijing on Tuesday, April 8.A relative of a missing passenger cries at a vigil in Beijing on Tuesday, April 8.



A member of the Royal Australian Air Force walks toward a plane that just arrived in Perth on April 8.A member of the Royal Australian Air Force walks toward a plane that just arrived in Perth on April 8.



Australian Defense Force divers scan the water for debris Monday, April 7, in the southern Indian Ocean.Australian Defense Force divers scan the water for debris Monday, April 7, in the southern Indian Ocean.



A towed pinger locator is readied to be deployed April 7 off the deck of the Australian vessel Ocean Shield.A towed pinger locator is readied to be deployed April 7 off the deck of the Australian vessel Ocean Shield.



Capt. Mark Matthews of the U.S. Navy talks to reporters in Perth about the search on April 7.Capt. Mark Matthews of the U.S. Navy talks to reporters in Perth about the search on April 7.



A member of the search operation points to a map outlining search areas during a news conference April 7 in Perth.A member of the search operation points to a map outlining search areas during a news conference April 7 in Perth.



A U.S. Navy airplane takes off from Perth to assist in the search on April 7.A U.S. Navy airplane takes off from Perth to assist in the search on April 7.



A member of the Royal New Zealand Air Force looks at a flare in the Indian Ocean during search operations on Friday, April 4.A member of the Royal New Zealand Air Force looks at a flare in the Indian Ocean during search operations on Friday, April 4.



Members of the Royal New Zealand Air Force monitor data April 4 on board an aircraft during search operations.Members of the Royal New Zealand Air Force monitor data April 4 on board an aircraft during search operations.



A relative of a Flight 370 passenger watches television in a Beijing hotel as he awaits new information about the missing plane on Thursday, April 3.A relative of a Flight 370 passenger watches television in a Beijing hotel as he awaits new information about the missing plane on Thursday, April 3.



Another relative of a Flight 370 passenger waits for updates in Beijing on Wednesday, April 2. Many families have criticized the Malaysian government's handling of information in the plane's disappearance.Another relative of a Flight 370 passenger waits for updates in Beijing on Wednesday, April 2. Many families have criticized the Malaysian government's handling of information in the plane's disappearance.



A member of the Japanese coast guard points to a flight position data screen while searching for debris from the missing jet on Tuesday, April 1.A member of the Japanese coast guard points to a flight position data screen while searching for debris from the missing jet on Tuesday, April 1.



Kojiro Tanaka, head of the Japanese coast guard search mission, explains the efforts en route to the search zone April 1.Kojiro Tanaka, head of the Japanese coast guard search mission, explains the efforts en route to the search zone April 1.



A woman prepares for an event in honor of those aboard Flight 370 on Sunday, March 30, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.A woman prepares for an event in honor of those aboard Flight 370 on Sunday, March 30, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.



An underwater search-surveying vehicle sits on the wharf in Perth, ready to be fitted to a ship to aid in the search for the jet.An underwater search-surveying vehicle sits on the wharf in Perth, ready to be fitted to a ship to aid in the search for the jet.



A girl in Kuala Lumpur writes a note during a ceremony for the missing passengers on March 30.A girl in Kuala Lumpur writes a note during a ceremony for the missing passengers on March 30.



A teary-eyed woman listens from the back as other relatives of Flight 370 passengers speak to reporters March 30 in Subang Jaya, Malaysia. Dozens of anguished Chinese relatives demanded that Malaysia provide answers to the fate of those on board.A teary-eyed woman listens from the back as other relatives of Flight 370 passengers speak to reporters March 30 in Subang Jaya, Malaysia. Dozens of anguished Chinese relatives demanded that Malaysia provide answers to the fate of those on board.



An object floating in the southern Indian Ocean is seen from a Royal New Zealand Air Force P-3K2 Orion aircraft searching for the missing jet on Saturday, March 29. Ships participating in the search retrieved new debris Saturday, but no objects linked to the missing plane, according to Australian authorities. An object floating in the southern Indian Ocean is seen from a Royal New Zealand Air Force P-3K2 Orion aircraft searching for the missing jet on Saturday, March 29. Ships participating in the search retrieved new debris Saturday, but no objects linked to the missing plane, according to Australian authorities.



A Royal New Zealand Air Force member launches a GPS marker buoy over the southern Indian Ocean on March 29.A Royal New Zealand Air Force member launches a GPS marker buoy over the southern Indian Ocean on March 29.



The sole representative for the families of Flight 370 passengers leaves a conference at a Beijing hotel on Friday, March 28, after other relatives left en masse to protest the Malaysian government's response to their questions.The sole representative for the families of Flight 370 passengers leaves a conference at a Beijing hotel on Friday, March 28, after other relatives left en masse to protest the Malaysian government's response to their questions.



A member of the Royal Australian Air Force is silhouetted against the southern Indian Ocean during the search for the missing jet on Thursday, March 27.A member of the Royal Australian Air Force is silhouetted against the southern Indian Ocean during the search for the missing jet on Thursday, March 27.



Flight Lt. Jayson Nichols looks at a map aboard a Royal Australian Air Force aircraft during a search on March 27.Flight Lt. Jayson Nichols looks at a map aboard a Royal Australian Air Force aircraft during a search on March 27.



People in Kuala Lumpur light candles during a ceremony held for the missing flight's passengers on March 27.People in Kuala Lumpur light candles during a ceremony held for the missing flight's passengers on March 27.



Crew members of the Chinese icebreaking ship Xuelong scan the Indian Ocean during a search for the missing jet on Wednesday, March 26.Crew members of the Chinese icebreaking ship Xuelong scan the Indian Ocean during a search for the missing jet on Wednesday, March 26.



People work at a console at the British satellite company Inmarsat on Tuesday, March 25, in London.People work at a console at the British satellite company Inmarsat on Tuesday, March 25, in London.



The mother of a passenger who was on Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 cries at her home in Medan, Indonesia, on March 25.The mother of a passenger who was on Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 cries at her home in Medan, Indonesia, on March 25.



Australian Defense Minister David Johnston speaks to the media March 25 about the search for the missing jet.Australian Defense Minister David Johnston speaks to the media March 25 about the search for the missing jet.



A family member of a missing passenger reacts after hearing the latest news March 25 in Kuala Lumpur.A family member of a missing passenger reacts after hearing the latest news March 25 in Kuala Lumpur.



Angry relatives of those aboard Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 react in Beijing on Monday, March 24, after hearing that the plane went down over the southern Indian Ocean, according to analysis of satellite data.Angry relatives of those aboard Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 react in Beijing on Monday, March 24, after hearing that the plane went down over the southern Indian Ocean, according to analysis of satellite data.



Grieving relatives of missing passengers leave a hotel in Beijing on March 24.Grieving relatives of missing passengers leave a hotel in Beijing on March 24.



Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, center, delivers a statement about the flight March 24 in Kuala Lumpur. Razak's announcement came after the airline sent a text message to relatives saying it "deeply regrets that we have to assume beyond any reasonable doubt that MH 370 has been lost and that none of those onboard survived."Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, center, delivers a statement about the flight March 24 in Kuala Lumpur. Razak's announcement came after the airline sent a text message to relatives saying it "deeply regrets that we have to assume beyond any reasonable doubt that MH 370 has been lost and that none of those onboard survived."



Relatives of the missing passengers hold a candlelight vigil in Beijing on March 24.Relatives of the missing passengers hold a candlelight vigil in Beijing on March 24.



A member of the Royal Australian Air Force looks out an aircraft during a search for the missing jet March 24.A member of the Royal Australian Air Force looks out an aircraft during a search for the missing jet March 24.



A woman reads messages for missing passengers at a shopping mall in Kuala Lumpur on March 24.A woman reads messages for missing passengers at a shopping mall in Kuala Lumpur on March 24.



Flight Lt. Josh Williams of the Royal Australian Air Force operates the controls of an AP-3C Orion on Sunday, March 23, after searching the southern Indian Ocean.Flight Lt. Josh Williams of the Royal Australian Air Force operates the controls of an AP-3C Orion on Sunday, March 23, after searching the southern Indian Ocean.



Ground crew members wave to a Japanese Maritime Defense Force patrol plane as it leaves the Royal Malaysian Air Force base in Subang, Malaysia, on Sunday, March 23. The plane was heading to Australia to join a search-and-rescue operation.Ground crew members wave to a Japanese Maritime Defense Force patrol plane as it leaves the Royal Malaysian Air Force base in Subang, Malaysia, on Sunday, March 23. The plane was heading to Australia to join a search-and-rescue operation.



A passenger views a weather map in the departures terminal of Kuala Lumpur International Airport on Saturday, March 22.A passenger views a weather map in the departures terminal of Kuala Lumpur International Airport on Saturday, March 22.



A Chinese satellite captured this image, released on March 22, of a floating object in the Indian Ocean, according to China's State Administration of Science. It is a possible lead in the search for the missing plane. Surveillance planes are looking for two objects spotted by satellite imagery in remote, treacherous waters more than 1,400 miles from the west coast of Australia.A Chinese satellite captured this image, released on March 22, of a floating object in the Indian Ocean, according to China's State Administration of Science. It is a possible lead in the search for the missing plane. Surveillance planes are looking for two objects spotted by satellite imagery in remote, treacherous waters more than 1,400 miles from the west coast of Australia.



A member of the Royal Australian Air Force looks down at the Norwegian merchant ship Hoegh St. Petersburg, which took part in search operations Friday, March 21.A member of the Royal Australian Air Force looks down at the Norwegian merchant ship Hoegh St. Petersburg, which took part in search operations Friday, March 21.



The Royal Australian Air Force's Neville Dawson, left, goes over the search area with Brittany Sharpe aboard an AP-3C Orion some 2,500 kilometers (about 1,500 miles) southwest of Perth, Australia, over the Indian Ocean on March 21.The Royal Australian Air Force's Neville Dawson, left, goes over the search area with Brittany Sharpe aboard an AP-3C Orion some 2,500 kilometers (about 1,500 miles) southwest of Perth, Australia, over the Indian Ocean on March 21.



Satellite imagery provided by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority on Thursday, March 20, shows debris in the southern Indian Ocean that could be from Flight 370. The announcement by Australian officials that they had spotted something raised hopes of a breakthrough in the frustrating search. Satellite imagery provided by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority on Thursday, March 20, shows debris in the southern Indian Ocean that could be from Flight 370. The announcement by Australian officials that they had spotted something raised hopes of a breakthrough in the frustrating search.



A closer look at the satellite shot of possible debris from Malaysia Airlines Flight 370.A closer look at the satellite shot of possible debris from Malaysia Airlines Flight 370.



Another satellite shot provided by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority shows possible debris from the flight.Another satellite shot provided by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority shows possible debris from the flight.



A closer look at the satellite shot of possible debris.A closer look at the satellite shot of possible debris.



The Australian Maritime Safety Authority's John Young speaks to the media in Canberra, Australia, on March 20 about satellite imagery.The Australian Maritime Safety Authority's John Young speaks to the media in Canberra, Australia, on March 20 about satellite imagery.



A distraught relative of a missing passenger breaks down while talking to reporters at Kuala Lumpur International Airport on Wednesday, March 19.A distraught relative of a missing passenger breaks down while talking to reporters at Kuala Lumpur International Airport on Wednesday, March 19.



A relative of missing passengers waits for a news briefing by officials in Beijing on Tuesday, March 18.A relative of missing passengers waits for a news briefing by officials in Beijing on Tuesday, March 18.



A relative of a missing passenger tells reporters in Beijing about a hunger strike to protest authorities' handling of information about the missing jet.A relative of a missing passenger tells reporters in Beijing about a hunger strike to protest authorities' handling of information about the missing jet.



A member of Indonesia's National Search and Rescue Agency joins in a search for the missing plane in the Andaman Sea area around the northern tip of Indonesia's Sumatra on Monday, March 17.A member of Indonesia's National Search and Rescue Agency joins in a search for the missing plane in the Andaman Sea area around the northern tip of Indonesia's Sumatra on Monday, March 17.



Relatives of missing passengers watch a news program about the missing plane as they await information at a hotel ballroom in Beijing on March 17.Relatives of missing passengers watch a news program about the missing plane as they await information at a hotel ballroom in Beijing on March 17.



Malaysian Transportation Minister Hishamuddin Hussein, center, shows maps of the search area at a hotel next to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport on March 17. Malaysian Transportation Minister Hishamuddin Hussein, center, shows maps of the search area at a hotel next to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport on March 17.



U.S. Navy crew members assist in search-and-rescue operations Sunday, March 16, in the Indian Ocean.U.S. Navy crew members assist in search-and-rescue operations Sunday, March 16, in the Indian Ocean.



Indonesian personnel watch over high seas during a search operation in the Andaman Sea on Saturday, March 15.Indonesian personnel watch over high seas during a search operation in the Andaman Sea on Saturday, March 15.



A foam plane, which has personalized messages for the missing flight's passengers, is seen at a viewing gallery March 15 at Kuala Lumpur International Airport.A foam plane, which has personalized messages for the missing flight's passengers, is seen at a viewing gallery March 15 at Kuala Lumpur International Airport.



A member of the Malaysian navy makes a call as his ship approaches a Chinese coast guard ship in the South China Sea on March 15.A member of the Malaysian navy makes a call as his ship approaches a Chinese coast guard ship in the South China Sea on March 15.



A Indonesian ship heads to the Andaman Sea during a search operation near the tip of Sumatra, Indonesia, on March 15.A Indonesian ship heads to the Andaman Sea during a search operation near the tip of Sumatra, Indonesia, on March 15.



Elementary school students pray for the missing passengers during class in Medan, Indonesia, on March 15.Elementary school students pray for the missing passengers during class in Medan, Indonesia, on March 15.



Col. Vu Duc Long of the Vietnam air force fields reporters' questions at an air base in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, after a search operation on Friday, March 14.Col. Vu Duc Long of the Vietnam air force fields reporters' questions at an air base in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, after a search operation on Friday, March 14.



Members of the Chinese navy continue search operations on Thursday, March 13. The search area for Flight 370 has grown wider. After starting in the sea between Malaysia and Vietnam, the plane's last confirmed location, efforts are expanding west into the Indian Ocean.Members of the Chinese navy continue search operations on Thursday, March 13. The search area for Flight 370 has grown wider. After starting in the sea between Malaysia and Vietnam, the plane's last confirmed location, efforts are expanding west into the Indian Ocean.



A Vietnamese military official looks out an aircraft window during search operations March 13.A Vietnamese military official looks out an aircraft window during search operations March 13.



Malaysian air force members look for debris on March 13 near Kuala Lumpur.Malaysian air force members look for debris on March 13 near Kuala Lumpur.



A relative of a missing passenger watches TV at a Beijing hotel as she waits for the latest news March 13.A relative of a missing passenger watches TV at a Beijing hotel as she waits for the latest news March 13.



A member of the Indonesian National Search and Rescue Agency scans the horizon in the Strait of Malacca on Wednesday, March 12.A member of the Indonesian National Search and Rescue Agency scans the horizon in the Strait of Malacca on Wednesday, March 12.



Relatives of missing passengers wait for the latest news at a hotel in Beijing on March 12.Relatives of missing passengers wait for the latest news at a hotel in Beijing on March 12.



Journalists raise their hands to ask questions during a news conference in Sepang on March 12.Journalists raise their hands to ask questions during a news conference in Sepang on March 12.



Indonesian air force officers in Medan, Indonesia, examine a map of the Strait of Malacca on March 12.Indonesian air force officers in Medan, Indonesia, examine a map of the Strait of Malacca on March 12.



A member of the Vietnamese air force checks a map while searching for the missing plane on Tuesday, March 11.A member of the Vietnamese air force checks a map while searching for the missing plane on Tuesday, March 11.



Iranians Pouri Nourmohammadi, second left, and Delavar Seyed Mohammad Reza, far right, were identified by Interpol as the two men who used stolen passports to board the flight. But there's no evidence to suggest either was connected to any terrorist organizations, according to Malaysian investigators. Malaysian police believe Nourmohammadi was trying to emigrate to Germany using the stolen Austrian passport.Iranians Pouri Nourmohammadi, second left, and Delavar Seyed Mohammad Reza, far right, were identified by Interpol as the two men who used stolen passports to board the flight. But there's no evidence to suggest either was connected to any terrorist organizations, according to Malaysian investigators. Malaysian police believe Nourmohammadi was trying to emigrate to Germany using the stolen Austrian passport.



An Indonesian navy crew member scans an area of the South China Sea bordering Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand on Monday, March 10.An Indonesian navy crew member scans an area of the South China Sea bordering Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand on Monday, March 10.



Vietnam air force Col. Le Huu Hanh is reflected on the navigation control panel of a plane that is part of the search operation over the South China Sea on March 10.Vietnam air force Col. Le Huu Hanh is reflected on the navigation control panel of a plane that is part of the search operation over the South China Sea on March 10.



Relatives of the missing flight's passengers wait in a Beijing hotel room on March 10.Relatives of the missing flight's passengers wait in a Beijing hotel room on March 10.



A U.S. Navy Seahawk helicopter lands aboard the USS Pinckney to change crews before returning to search for the missing plane Sunday, March 9, in the Gulf of Thailand.A U.S. Navy Seahawk helicopter lands aboard the USS Pinckney to change crews before returning to search for the missing plane Sunday, March 9, in the Gulf of Thailand.



Members of the Fo Guang Shan rescue team offer a special prayer March 9 at Kuala Lumpur International Airport.Members of the Fo Guang Shan rescue team offer a special prayer March 9 at Kuala Lumpur International Airport.



A handout picture provided by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency shows personnel checking a radar screen during search-and-rescue operations March 9.A handout picture provided by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency shows personnel checking a radar screen during search-and-rescue operations March 9.



Italian tourist Luigi Maraldi, who reported his passport stolen in August, shows his current passport during a news conference at a police station in Phuket island, Thailand, on March 9. Two passengers on the missing Malaysia Airlines flight were reportedly traveling on stolen passports belonging to Maraldi and an Austrian citizen whose papers were stolen two years ago.Italian tourist Luigi Maraldi, who reported his passport stolen in August, shows his current passport during a news conference at a police station in Phuket island, Thailand, on March 9. Two passengers on the missing Malaysia Airlines flight were reportedly traveling on stolen passports belonging to Maraldi and an Austrian citizen whose papers were stolen two years ago.



Hugh Dunleavy, commercial director of Malaysia Airlines, speaks to journalists March 9 at a Beijing hotel where relatives and friends of the missing flight's passengers are staying.Hugh Dunleavy, commercial director of Malaysia Airlines, speaks to journalists March 9 at a Beijing hotel where relatives and friends of the missing flight's passengers are staying.



Vietnamese air force crew stand in front of a plane at Tan Son Nhat airport in Ho Chi Minh City on March 9 before heading out to the area between Vietnam and Malaysia where the airliner vanished.Vietnamese air force crew stand in front of a plane at Tan Son Nhat airport in Ho Chi Minh City on March 9 before heading out to the area between Vietnam and Malaysia where the airliner vanished.



Buddhist monks at Kuala Lumpur International Airport offer a special prayer for the missing passengers on March 9.Buddhist monks at Kuala Lumpur International Airport offer a special prayer for the missing passengers on March 9.



The Chinese navy warship Jinggangshan prepares to leave Zhanjiang Port early on March 9 to assist in search-and-rescue operations for the missing Malaysia Airlines flight. The Jinggangshan, an amphibious landing ship, is loaded with lifesaving equipment, underwater detection devices and supplies of oil, water and food.The Chinese navy warship Jinggangshan prepares to leave Zhanjiang Port early on March 9 to assist in search-and-rescue operations for the missing Malaysia Airlines flight. The Jinggangshan, an amphibious landing ship, is loaded with lifesaving equipment, underwater detection devices and supplies of oil, water and food.



Members of a Chinese emergency response team board a rescue vessel at the port of Sanya in China's Hainan province on March 9. The vessel is carrying 12 divers and will rendezvous with another rescue vessel on its way to the area where contact was lost with Malaysia Airlines Flight 370.Members of a Chinese emergency response team board a rescue vessel at the port of Sanya in China's Hainan province on March 9. The vessel is carrying 12 divers and will rendezvous with another rescue vessel on its way to the area where contact was lost with Malaysia Airlines Flight 370.



The rescue vessel sets out from Sanya in the South China Sea.The rescue vessel sets out from Sanya in the South China Sea.



A family member of missing passengers is mobbed by journalists at Kuala Lumpur International Airport on Saturday, March 8.A family member of missing passengers is mobbed by journalists at Kuala Lumpur International Airport on Saturday, March 8.



A Vietnamese air force plane found traces of oil that authorities had suspected to be from the missing Malaysia Airlines plane, the Vietnamese government online newspaper reported March 8. However, a sample from the slick showed it was bunker oil, typically used to power large cargo ships, Malaysia's state news agency, Bernama, reported on March 10.A Vietnamese air force plane found traces of oil that authorities had suspected to be from the missing Malaysia Airlines plane, the Vietnamese government online newspaper reported March 8. However, a sample from the slick showed it was bunker oil, typically used to power large cargo ships, Malaysia's state news agency, Bernama, reported on March 10.



Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, center, arrives to meet family members of missing passengers at the reception center at Kuala Lumpur International Airport on March 8.Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, center, arrives to meet family members of missing passengers at the reception center at Kuala Lumpur International Airport on March 8.



Malaysia Airlines official Joshua Law Kok Hwa, center, speaks to reporters in Beijing on March 8.Malaysia Airlines official Joshua Law Kok Hwa, center, speaks to reporters in Beijing on March 8.



A relative of two missing passengers reacts at their home in Kuala Lumpur on March 8.A relative of two missing passengers reacts at their home in Kuala Lumpur on March 8.



Wang Yue, director of marketing of Malaysia Airlines in China, reads a company statement during a news conference at the Metro Park Lido Hotel in Beijing on March 8. Wang Yue, director of marketing of Malaysia Airlines in China, reads a company statement during a news conference at the Metro Park Lido Hotel in Beijing on March 8.



Chinese police at the Beijing airport stand beside the arrival board showing delayed Flight 370 in red on March 8.Chinese police at the Beijing airport stand beside the arrival board showing delayed Flight 370 in red on March 8.



A woman asks a staff member at the Beijing airport for more information on the missing flight.A woman asks a staff member at the Beijing airport for more information on the missing flight.



A Malaysian man who says he has relatives on board the missing plane talks to journalists at the Beijing airport on March 8.A Malaysian man who says he has relatives on board the missing plane talks to journalists at the Beijing airport on March 8.



Passengers walk past a Malaysia Airlines sign on March 8 at Kuala Lumpur International Airport.Passengers walk past a Malaysia Airlines sign on March 8 at Kuala Lumpur International Airport.



Malaysia Airlines Group CEO Ahmad Juahari Yahya, front, speaks during a news conference on March 8 at a hotel in Sepang. "We deeply regret that we have lost all contacts" with the jet, he said.Malaysia Airlines Group CEO Ahmad Juahari Yahya, front, speaks during a news conference on March 8 at a hotel in Sepang. "We deeply regret that we have lost all contacts" with the jet, he said.




The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

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Photos: The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370Photos: The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370






Inmarsat flight data finally released




MH370: Data released after long wait




Malaysia missing plane data released

In the weeks following the plane's March 8 disappearance, a team of international experts used the satellite data and other information, including radar data and engine performance calculations, to conclude that the aircraft ended up in a remote area of the southern Indian Ocean.


Some passengers' families, unsatisfied by the official explanation of the plane's fate, say they want an independent analysis of the complex information, a process that could take some time.


Michael Exner, one of the most vocal experts among those calling for the release of the data, said a very preliminary review suggested that there were gaps in the notes explaining the data.


The explanatory notes at the start of the document "answer a few of the questions we have had, but leave many questions unanswered," he told CNN.


CNN Safety Analyst David Soucie said certain key elements, which would allow independent experts to fully test the official conclusion, are missing from the data in the document.


"There's not enough information to say whether they made an error," he said. "I think we're still going to be looking for more."


Sarah Bajc, whose partner, Philip Wood, was on the missing jet, said she was "annoyed" that Inmarsat and Malaysian authorities hadn't released the data in its entirety.


"I see no reason for them to have massaged this before giving it to us," she said.


Is Inmarsat right?


Data guided search


For weeks, Inmarsat said it didn't have the authority to release the data, deferring to Malaysian authorities, who are in charge of the search for the plane that disappeared over Southeast Asia while on a scheduled flight from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing.


Last week, the two sides announced that they would aim to make the information available to the public.


The satellite signals -- called "handshakes" -- with MH370 were part of a larger set of data that investigators have used to try to establish the whereabouts of the missing Boeing 777 with 239 people on board.


The handshakes continued to take place for roughly six hours after the aircraft dropped off radar screens.


Months of searching by dozens of planes and ships in the southern Indian Ocean has so far turned up no wreckage, and investigators have not been able to say for sure where the remains of MH370 might be.


The underwater search for the missing plane will effectively be put on hold this week, and may not resume until August at the earliest, according to Australia's top transport safety official.


Analysts have said the release of the satellite data could help discount some theories about what happened to the jetliner, and potentially fuel new ones.


Relatives of people who were on the passenger jet, scientists studying its disappearance and media covering the search have become increasingly critical about the lack of public information about why the search has focused on the southern Indian Ocean.


"I think far too much has been left to experts who have remained behind the curtain," said K.S. Narendran, whose wife, Chandrika Sharma, was on the flight.


Inmarsat confident


In an exclusive interview with CNN's Richard Quest last week, Inmarsat's vice president of satellite operations said he has "good confidence" that experts have interpreted the data correctly.





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The company's calculations, he said, have been tested by other people.


"No one has come up yet with a reason why it shouldn't work with this particular flight when it has worked with others," Mark Dickinson said. "And it's very important this isn't just an Inmarsat activity. There are other people doing investigations, experts who are helping the investigation team, who have got the same data, who made their own models up and did the same thing to see if they got the same results and broadly speaking, they got roughly the same answers."


Experts came to the conclusion that the plane had ended up in the southern Indian Ocean by piecing together three types of information, he said.


"We have actually the messages from the ground station to the plane and back again. That essentially tells you the terminal is switched on and powered up. We have some timing information and in addition to that there were some frequency measurements," he said.


The timings told them the distance between the plane and the satellite, enabling them to map out arcs. Then they factored in frequency differences, determining that the plane had headed south.


'The right work'


It was a startling conclusion -- and Dickinson says investigators made sure to repeatedly check their calculations before sharing them.


"You want to make sure when you come to a conclusion like that, that you've done the right work, the data is as you understand it to be," he said.


Now, Dickinson says he's well aware that the entire weight of the search rests on the Inmarsat data.


"This is all the data we have for what has happened for those six or so hours," he said. "It's important we all get it right and particularly that everyone looking at the data makes the best judgments on it and how it's used. And particularly for the families and friends of the relatives on board, try and make sure that we can help bring this sad incident to a close."


Quest said he thinks the expertise of the Inmarsat team and the level of testing to which their work was subjected justifies their confidence in their conclusions.


"It is up to the detractors and doubters to come up and say why they believe it's wrong," he said. "Not the other way around."


Bajc acknowledged that independent analysis of the data may support Inmarsat's conclusions.


"That would be a fine outcome as far as I'm concerned," she said.


But if the independent experts come up with alternative flight paths based on the data, Bajc said, then "those need to be investigated."


The wait for data


The issue of making the satellite data public has become the cause of confusion and contradictory statements.


Bajc said the families had first asked for the data more than two months ago.


"It seemed a relatively innocent request" at the time, she said, but authorities refused to release it.


Malaysian officials told CNN earlier this month that their government did not have the data. But Inmarsat officials said the company provided all of it to Malaysian officials "at an early stage in the search."


"We've shared the information that we had, and it's for the investigation to decide what and when it puts out," Inmarsat Senior Vice President Chris McLaughlin said earlier this month.


But a senior Malaysian official told CNN that the government needed Inmarsat's help to pass on the data to families "in a presentable way."


"We are trying to be as transparent as possible," the official said. "We have no issues releasing the data."


Bajc said the delay only added to questions surrounding the information.


"It's a little curious to me why this had to become such a big deal," she said Tuesday.


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CNN's Saima Mohsin reported from Kuala Lumpur, and CNN's Jethro Mullen reported and wrote from Hong Kong. CNN's Catherine Shoichet, Mike Ahlers, Mitra Mobasherat and Holly Yan contributed to this report.









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