Investigations On The Current And Future Use Of Radio Frequency Allocations For Small Satellite Operations

Global radio frequency spectrum use for satellite communication is a present-day challenge that has been aggravated by the increased launch of small satellites during the past 15 years. This thesis aims to examine both regulatory and technical aspects of spectrum use. The focus of this examination is on frequency bands that are commonly used by small satellites and on those bands that might be applicable for future use. The thesis content is subdivided into three parts. The first part presents the needed background on small satellites as well as the regulatory environment for small satellites. The second part gives insight into the results of a theoretical assessment of current and future small satellite allocations. The third part depicts two concepts for on-orbit spectrum analysis applications which allow the analysis of the problem from the technical side, including first flight results. After studying this work, the reader shall be able to understand regulatory procedures for frequency coordination and to acknowledge challenges for both satellite developers and responsible administrations. The presented hardware implementations for spectrum analysis shall serve as a tool for improved frequency coordination in the near future. Durch die steigende Anzahl von Kleinstsatellitenstarts in den letzten 15 Jahren ist auch die Auslastung von Funkspektrum für die Satellitenkommunikation signifikant gestiegen. Während die ersten Kleinstsatelliten (CubeSats) aufgrund ihrer Neuheit und ihrer kurzen Lebenszeit von regulatorischer Seite unbeachtet blieben, stiegen in den letzten Jahren Interferenzfälle sowie die Frage, wie Kleinstsatelliten regulatorisch behandelt werden sollen. Diese Arbeit betrachtet die aktuelle und zukünftige Nutzung von Funkspektrum für Kleinsatelliten aus regulatorischer und technischer Sicht. Der erste Teil der Arbeit behandelt die regulatorischen Rahmenbedingungen von Kleinstsatelliten und bietet einen Einblick in das Themengebiet Frequenzkoordinierung. Der zweite Teil untersucht Möglichkeiten zur verbesserten Frequenzkoordinierung im Rahmen von ITU-Studien. Im dritten Teil der Arbeit wird die technische Implementierung von Weltraumanwendungen zur Spektrumanalyse präsentiert. Flugergebnisse eines Spektrumanalysator sowie eine Satellitennutzlast zur Spektrumanalyse werden vorgestellt. Durch die Lektüre dieser Arbeit soll eine Einführung in die Frequenzkoordinierung von Kleinstsatelliten gegeben werden. Aktuelle Entwicklungen auf regulatorischer Seite sowie aktuelle und zukünftige Ergebnisse der Spektrumanalyse aus dem Orbit werden als Hilfsmittel für Koordinierungsvorgänge vorgestellt.

In recent years, small satellites have taken the space industry by storm. Their short development times, low cost, significant miniaturisation, standardisation and commercial availability have truly revolutionised the space industry. They make space accessible to non-professionals and on an individual level. This book is the first to explore the status of small satellites vis-à-vis international space law, examining which provisions are applicable and what kind of legal issues the traditional definitions pose when considering novel small satellites activities. The author sheds clear light on current regulatory challenges raised by the commercial and research activities of small satellites as well as by governmental and military applications. She covers the legal implications in such aspects of the small satellites revolution as the following: liability for damage caused or suffered by small satellites; State responsibility for non-governmental space activities employing small satellites; registration of space objects; launch practices; online availability of components and launch slots; the connection between small satellites and space debris; the role of space insurance; and legal challenges posed by large constellations of small satellites. In the course of the description and analysis, the author provides case studies showing how these challenges can be dealt with, offers deeply informed insights on emerging trends and future developments and indicates which jurisdictions may be most favourable to small satellite activities. The small satellites market is booming, and both States and industry are in need of guidance relating to the regulatory situation. Accordingly, this book will help stakeholders in the industry – universities, business entities and individuals, as well as non-commercial entities engaged in small satellites operations – understand what kind of regulatory challenges exist and what should be done in order to solve these challenges in the future.

Considers (87) S.J. Res. 32.

In the past decade, the field of small satellites has expanded the space industry in a powerful way. Hundreds, indeed thousands, of these innovative and highly cost-efficient satellites are now being launched from Earth to establish low-cost space systems. These smallsats are engaged in experiments and prototype testing, communications services, data relay, internet access, remote sensing, defense and security related services, and more. Some of these systems are quite small and are simple student experiments, while others in commercial constellations are employing state-of-the-art technologies to deliver fast and accurate services. This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of this exciting new field. It covers the technology, applications and services, design and manufacture, launch arrangements, ground systems, and economic and regulatory arrangements surrounding small satellites. The diversity of approach in recent years has allowed for rapid innovation and economic breakthroughs to proceed at a pace that seems only to be speeding up. In this reference work, readers will find information pertaining to all aspects of the small satellite industry, written by a host of international experts in the field.

Active remote sensing is the principal tool used to study and to predict short- and long-term changes in the environment of Earth - the atmosphere, the oceans and the land surfaces - as well as the near space environment of Earth. All of these measurements are essential to understanding terrestrial weather, climate change, space weather hazards, and threats from asteroids. Active remote sensing measurements are of inestimable benefit to society, as we pursue the development of a technological civilization that is economically viable, and seek to maintain the quality of our life. A Strategy for Active Remote Sensing Amid Increased Demand for Spectrum describes the threats, both current and future, to the effective use of the electromagnetic spectrum required for active remote sensing. This report offers specific recommendations for protecting and making effective use of the spectrum required for active remote sensing.

Space-based observations have transformed our understanding of Earth, its environment, the solar system and the universe at large. During past decades, driven by increasingly advanced science questions, space observatories have become more sophisticated and more complex, with costs often growing to billions of dollars. Although these kinds of ever-more-sophisticated missions will continue into the future, small satellites, ranging in mass between 500 kg to 0.1 kg, are gaining momentum as an additional means to address targeted science questions in a rapid, and possibly more affordable, manner. Within the category of small satellites, CubeSats have emerged as a space-platform defined in terms of (10 cm x 10 cm x 10 cm)- sized cubic units of approximately 1.3 kg each called "U's." Historically, CubeSats were developed as training projects to expose students to the challenges of real-world engineering practices and system design. Yet, their use has rapidly spread within academia, industry, and government agencies both nationally and internationally. In particular, CubeSats have caught the attention of parts of the U.S. space science community, which sees this platform, despite its inherent constraints, as a way to affordably access space and perform unique measurements of scientific value. The first science results from such CubeSats have only recently become available; however, questions remain regarding the scientific potential and technological promise of CubeSats in the future. Achieving Science with CubeSats reviews the current state of the scientific potential and technological promise of CubeSats. This report focuses on the platform's promise to obtain high- priority science data, as defined in recent decadal surveys in astronomy and astrophysics, Earth science and applications from space, planetary science, and solar and space physics (heliophysics); the science priorities identified in the 2014 NASA Science Plan; and the potential for CubeSats to advance biology and microgravity research. It provides a list of sample science goals for CubeSats, many of which address targeted science, often in coordination with other spacecraft, or use "sacrificial," or high-risk, orbits that lead to the demise of the satellite after critical data have been collected. Other goals relate to the use of CubeSats as constellations or swarms deploying tens to hundreds of CubeSats that function as one distributed array of measurements.

Since 1967, the main scientific events of the General Assemblies of the International Astronomical Union have been published in the separate series, Highlights of Astronomy. The present Volume 11 presents the major scientific presentations made at the XXIIIrd General Assembly, August 18-30, 1997, in Kyoto, Japan. The two volumes (11A + B) contain the text of the three Invited Discourses as well as the proceedings or extended summaries of the 21 Joint Discussions and two Special Sessions held during the General Assembly.