CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE II:
RADIOCOMMUNICATIONS
March 17 to 21, 2014
Cartagena de Indias, Colombia / OEA/Ser.L/XVII.4.2
CCP.II-RADIO/doc. 3573/14
18 March 2014
Original: English
AGENDA ITEM 9.1.8: PRELIMINARY views for WRC-15
(Item on the Agenda: 3.1 (SGT4))
(Document submitted by the Coordinator)
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SGT 4– FSS and satellite regulatory issues
Coordinator: Mr. Jerry CONNER, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ()
Alternate Coordinator: Ms. Chantal BEAUMIER, CANADA ()
Mr. Ramiro ROBLEDO, MEXICO ()
Rapporteur Agenda Item: Mr. Glenn FELDHAKE, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (glenn.s.feldhake@nasa.gov)TBC
Alternate Rapporteur Agenda Item:Ms. Chantal BEAUMIER, CANADA ()
AGENDA ITEM 9.1 to consider and approve the Report of the Director of the Radiocommunication Bureau, in accordance with Article 7 of the Conventionon the activities of the Radiocommunication Sector since WRC-12;
AGENDA ITEM 9.1.8Regulatory aspects for nano- and picosatellites
BACKGROUND:
Nano- and picosatellites are commonlydescribed as satellites ranging in mass from 0.1 to 10 kg and measuring less than 0.5 m in any linear dimension. These satellites typically have 1 to 2 years development time and only in operation ranges from several weeks up to 5 years. The typically short development time and operational lifetime of nano- and picosatellites makes it difficult to complete the coordination process before the launch or the end of the mission of such satellites. In addition, the nano- and picosatellties may have limited orbit control capabilities and therefore have unique orbital characteristics.
Resolution 757 (WRC-12) invites the ITU-R to examine the procedures for notifying space networks and consider possible modifications to enable the deployment and operation of nano- and picosatellites, taking into account the short development time, short mission time and unique orbital characteristics. Resolution 757(WRC-12) recognizes that the missions of some nanosatellites and picosatellites are potentially inconsistent with the services in which they operate and/or have limited orbit control capabilities. It also instructs the Director of the Radiocommunication Bureau to report to WRC-15 on the results of the studies. It also invites WRC-18 to consider whether modifications to the regulatory procedures for notifying satellite networks are needed to facilitate the deployment and operation of nano- and picosatellites, and to take the appropriate actions.
The regulatory procedures for notifying frequency assignments to satellite networks in unplanned bands apply to all satellite networks and systems in order to avoid causing or receiving harmful interference. Consistent with Resolution 757 (WRC-12), and in response to Question ITU-R 254/7, ITU-R Working Party 7B is developing a Draft New Report on technical and operational characteristics of nanosatellites and picosatellites, which is expected to provide useful information on these types of satellites.
ISSUES:
- Whether different provisions are required for the coordination and notification of pico- and nanosatellites under Articles 9 and 11.
- If so, whether different provisions could be introduced for the coordination and notification of pico- and nanosatellites without creating inequities or leading to abuse.
- Nano- and picosatellites are not defined in the Radio Regulations or in ITU-R Reports and Recommendations.
- Whether dedicated spectrum should be allocated for use by nano- and picosatellites.
PRELIMINARY VIEWS:
CAN/USA/MEX
Support completing the studies to characterize nanosatellites and picosatellites. Support considering whether modifications to the regulatory procedures for notifying satellite networks are needed to facilitate the deployment and operation of nanosatellites and picosatellites. The studies should include exploration of whether the current regulations and procedures adequately ensure the compatibility of nanosatellites and picosatellites with other frequency assignments. WRC-15 should take into account the results of the studies when considering appropriateness and necessity of the related preliminary WRC-18 agenda item.
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