In this paper the detection time of the distress signal for the satellite-based search and rescue (SAR) system is evaluated. Present LEOSAR system in operation employs a few Low-altitude Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites and hence provides poor and local coverage availability. This results in a considerably long waiting time for a distress beacon to be detected by a rescue mission control center. One can expect that the detection time of the distress signal will be significantly reduced if the proposed MEOSAR system, which is based on the Medium-altitude Earth Orbit (MEO) satellites, is implemented. Taking into account the influence of the obstacles on the beacon signal, simulations are carried out to evaluate the detection time of distress signals for the LEOSAR and MEOSAR systems and the corresponding results are analyzed.