The search for a missing Malaysian jetliner expanded toward the Indian Ocean on Friday, as new evidence emerged that the jet may have traveled for hours after it vanished.
Speaking anonymously, U.S. officials briefed on the investigation said the Boeing 777 sent automated electronic messages to satellites several hours after it disappeared from civilian radar Saturday.
The officials said the communications satellites detected faint messages, known as pings, which attempted to relay regular maintenance and other data about the plane's condition.
It is not clear whether the messages can provide information on the plane's location. It is also not clear whether the plane was in the air at the time the messages were sent.
Ships and planes from over a dozen countries have been searching for six days for the Malaysia Airlines plane and its 239 people on board, who were headed from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing.
14/03/14 Voice of America
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Speaking anonymously, U.S. officials briefed on the investigation said the Boeing 777 sent automated electronic messages to satellites several hours after it disappeared from civilian radar Saturday.
The officials said the communications satellites detected faint messages, known as pings, which attempted to relay regular maintenance and other data about the plane's condition.
It is not clear whether the messages can provide information on the plane's location. It is also not clear whether the plane was in the air at the time the messages were sent.
Ships and planes from over a dozen countries have been searching for six days for the Malaysia Airlines plane and its 239 people on board, who were headed from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing.
14/03/14 Voice of America
