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Suggested Citation:"Executive Summary." National Research Council. 2013. Views of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences and National Academy of Engineering on Agenda Items at Issue at the World Radiocommunication Conference 2012. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13000.
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Executive Summary

The passive, receive-only Radio Astronomy Service (RAS) and the Earth Exploration-Satellite Service (EESS) provide otherwise impossible scientific observations of the universe and Earth through the use of (1) advanced receiver technology with extreme sensitivity and (2) complex noise reduction algorithms. Even with such technology, RAS and EESS are quite adversely affected by what most active services would consider low noise levels.

The emissions that radio astronomers receive are extremely weak—radio telescope receives only about one-billionth of one-billionth of a watt (10-18 W) from a typical cosmic object. Similarly, remote-sensing scientists observe the noise floor itself and extremely weak variations therein. Their observations are also very vulnerable to interference from man-made transmissions. Interference from in-band emissions, spurious, and out-of-band emissions from licensed and unlicensed users of neighboring bands and from emissions that produce harmonic signals in the RAS and EESS bands is quite harmful to RAS and EESS observations. Even weak, distant, in-band man-made emissions can preclude use. Moving to other bands is not always an option: In order to fulfill their scientific missions, in many cases radio astronomers and remote-sensing scientists must observe at the specific frequencies characteristic of elements or molecules that are established by the laws of physics and chemistry.

To ensure their ability to use the radio spectrum for scientific purposes, scientists must be party to the discussions in preparation for the next World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC), which will be held in January and February 2012 in Geneva, Switzerland. At the request of the National Science Foundation and NASA, a committee of the U.S. National Research Council was convened to provide guidance to U.S. spectrum managers and policy makers as they prepare for the WRC in order to protect the scientific exploration of Earth and the universe using the radio spectrum (see Appendix A for the committee’s statement of task). While the resulting document is targeted at U.S. agencies, representatives of foreign governments and foreign scientific users will find its contents useful as they plan their own WRC positions.

This report identifies and discusses only those agenda items relevant to radio astronomers and Earth remote-sensing researchers and that could impact them. It does not discuss the numerous other agenda items.

The committee’s consensus on the potential impact and relevance of certain agenda items at issue at the WRC in 2012 is presented in the main body of this report. Its conclusions and recommendations are addressed to Administrations1 preparing for WRC are listed in Table ES.1.

__________________

1 Defined by the ITU as “[a]ny governmental department or service responsible for discharging the obligations undertaken in the Constitution of the International Telecommunication Union, in the Convention of the International Telecommunication Union and in the Administrative Regulations.” From http://www.itu.int/net/about/basic-texts/constitution/annex.aspx, accessed September 22, 2011.

Suggested Citation:"Executive Summary." National Research Council. 2013. Views of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences and National Academy of Engineering on Agenda Items at Issue at the World Radiocommunication Conference 2012. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13000.
×

TABLE ES.1 WRC-12 Agenda Items of Relevance and Potential Impact to RAS and EESS and the Associated Conclusions and Recommendations of the Committee

Agenda Item Text of Agenda Item Conclusion and/or Recommendation of the Committee
1.3 To consider spectrum requirements and possible regulatory actions, including allocations, in order to support the safe operation of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), based on the results of ITU-R studies, in accordance with Resolution 421 (WRC 07). Recommendation: Transmissions in support of unmanned aircraft in the 5030-5150 MHz band should have a sufficiently low level of unwanted emissions to avoid interference in the adjacent Radio Astronomy Service bands in accord with Recommendation ITU-R RA.769.
1.4 To consider, based on the results of ITU R studies, any further regulatory measures to facilitate introduction of new aeronautical mobile (R) service (AM(R)S) systems in the bands 112-117.975 MHz, 960-1 164 MHz and 5 000-5 030 MHz in accordance with Resolutions 413 (Rev.WRC 07), 417 (WRC 07) and 420 (WRC 07). Recommendation: Transmitters providing surface applications at airports in the 5000-5030 MHz band should have sufficient suppression of out-of-band emissions to avoid interference in the adjacent 5 GHz Radio Astronomy Service band in accord with Recommendation ITU-R RA.769.
1.6 To review No. 5.565 of the Radio Regulations in order to update the spectrum use by the passive services between 275 GHz and 3 000 GHz, in accordance with Resolution 950 (Rev.WRC 07), and to consider possible procedures for free-space optical-links, taking into account the results of ITUR studies, in accordance with Resolution 955 (WRC 07). Recommendation: Administrations should protect the bands given in Tables 2.1 and 2.2 from harmful interference so they may be used by the Radio Astronomy Service and Earth Exploration-Satellite Service, respectively.
1.7 To consider the results of ITU R studies in accordance with Resolution 222 (Rev.WRC 07) in order to ensure long-term spectrum availability and access to spectrum necessary to meet requirements for the aeronautical mobile-satellite (R) service, and to take appropriate action on this subject, while retaining unchanged the generic allocation to the mobile-satellite service in the bands 1 525 1 559 MHz and 1 626.5-1 660.5 MHz. Recommendation: AM(R)S transmissions in the overlapping and adjacent bands should have out-of-band emissions below –237 dBW/(m2Hz) at registered Radio Astronomy Service sites, in accordance with Recommendation ITU-R RA.769 for spectroscopic observations.
1.8 To consider the progress of ITU R studies concerning the technical and regulatory issues relative to the fixed service in the bands between 71 GHz and 238 GHz, taking into account Resolutions 731 (WRC 2000) and 732 (WRC 2000)” Recommendation: Administrations are urged to protect the passive services from harmful interference in 71-238 GHz. Per Tables 2.4 and 2.5, this band is extremely important for a wide range of scientific problems, both for Radio Astronomy Service and Earth Exploration-Satellite Service.
Suggested Citation:"Executive Summary." National Research Council. 2013. Views of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences and National Academy of Engineering on Agenda Items at Issue at the World Radiocommunication Conference 2012. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13000.
×
Agenda Item Text of Agenda Item Conclusion and/or Recommendation of the Committee
1.11 To consider a primary allocation to the space research service (Earth-to-space) within the band 22.55-23.15 GHz, taking into account the results of ITU R studies, in accordance with Resolution 753 (WRC 07). Conclusion: The primary concern regarding a possible space research service (Earth-to-space) uplink within the band 22.55-23.15 GHz is the EESS primary allocation at 22.21-22.5 GHz. To protect EESS satellite observations from interference, ITU-R RS.1029 recommends a maximum interference level in the 22.21-22.5 GHz band of –249 dBW/Hz, with this interference level not to be exceeded for more than 0.1% of the sensor viewing area or measurement time.
1.12 To protect the primary services in the band 37-38 GHz from interference resulting from aeronautical mobile service operations, taking into account the results of ITU R studies, in accordance with Resolution 754 (WRC 07). Conclusion: The primary concern is the continued protection of the 36-37 GHz EESS (passive) allocation used by current and future microwave radiometers from the U.S. Air Force and the Navy, NOAA, and NASA, which have been making spaceborne observations near 37 GHz since the Scanning Multichannel Microwave Radiometer was launched in 1978. Based upon scientific requirements expected to be achieved in 2008-2013, to protect EESS satellite observations from interference, ITU-R RS.1029 (2003) recommended a maximum interference level in the 36.0-37.0 GHz band of –246 dBW/Hz, with this interference level not to be exceeded for more than 0.1% of the sensor viewing area or measurement time.
1.13 To consider the results of ITU R studies in accordance with Resolution 551 (WRC 07) and decide on the spectrum usage of the 21.4-22 GHz band for the broadcasting-satellite service and the associated feeder-link bands in Regions 1 and 3. Recommendation: Satellite transmissions in the 21.4-22.0 GHz band should have low enough out-of-band emissions to avoid interference in the 22.21-22.5 GHz Radio Astronomy Service band based on Recommendation ITU-R RA.769.
1.14 To consider requirements for new applications in the radiolocation service and review allocations or regulatory provisions for implementation of the radiolocation service in the range 30-300 MHz, in accordance with Resolution 611 (WRC 07). Recommendation: Additional radiolocation service allocations in the 30-300 MHz band being considered should avoid the 37.50-38.25 MHz, 73.00-74.60 MHz, and 150.05-153.0 MHz passive bands and should provide suppression of unwanted emissions in these Radio Astronomy Service bands to meet Recommendation ITU-R RA.769.
Suggested Citation:"Executive Summary." National Research Council. 2013. Views of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences and National Academy of Engineering on Agenda Items at Issue at the World Radiocommunication Conference 2012. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13000.
×
Agenda Item Text of Agenda Item Conclusion and/or Recommendation of the Committee
1.15 To consider possible allocations in the range 3-50 MHz to the radiolocation service for oceanographic radar applications, taking into account the results of ITU R studies, in accordance with Resolution 612 (WRC 07). Conclusion: Oceanographic radars operating in 3-50 MHz do not adversely affect any other known EESS bands and are thus not of concern for EESS(passive), so long as out-of-band radio frequency interference is maintained at levels compatible with Recommendation ITU-R RS.1029.
Recommendation: Unwanted emissions due to new radar allocations in the 3-50 MHz range should be low enough to meet the levels of Recommendation ITU-R RA.769 in the Radio Astronomy Service bands at 13.36-13.41, 25.56-25.67, and 37.50-38.25 MHz.
1.18 To consider extending the existing primary and secondary radiodetermination-satellite service (space-to-Earth) allocations in the band 2 483.5-2 500 MHz in order to make a global primary allocation, and to determine the necessary regulatory provisions based upon the results of ITU R studies, in accordance with Resolution 613 (WRC 07). Recommendation: Second harmonic radiation emissions into the 4800-5000 MHz band should be kept below the level given in

Recommendation ITU-R RA.769 as addressed in 5.402.
1.19 To consider regulatory measures and their relevance, in order to enable the introduction of software-defined radio and cognitive radio systems, based on the results of ITU R studies, in accordance with Resolution 956 (WRC 07). Recommendation: Any modification to existing methods for allocating or managing spectrum should not result in higher levels or additional instances of harmful interference in spectrum already allocated for Radio Astronomy Service and Earth Exploration-Satellite Service.

Recommendation: Great care should be taken prior to enactment of new regulations to ensure that new uses of spectrum—especially those in frequencies adjacent to or harmonically related to existing Radio Astronomy Service (RAS) or Earth Exploration-Satellite Service (EESS) allocations—do not result in increased levels of interference to RAS or EESS through unwanted emission.

Recommendation: Representatives of the Radio Astronomy Service and Earth Exploration-Satellite Service spectrum management communities should be included in deliberations that might lead to the establishment of universal “beacon” or “pilot” channels, “dynamic databases,” and other technologies intended to facilitate “dynamic spectrum access” or dynamic changes in other emission characteristics, including modulation type, bandwidth, and power levels.
Suggested Citation:"Executive Summary." National Research Council. 2013. Views of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences and National Academy of Engineering on Agenda Items at Issue at the World Radiocommunication Conference 2012. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13000.
×
Agenda Item Text of Agenda Item Conclusion and/or Recommendation of the Committee
1.21 To consider a primary allocation to the radiolocation service in the band 15.4-15.7 GHz, taking into account the results of ITU R studies, in accordance with Resolution 614 (WRC 07). Recommendation: Radar in the 15.4-15.7 GHz band should have a sufficiently low level of unwanted emissions to avoid interference in the adjacent 15.35-15.40 GHz Radio Astronomy Service/ Earth Exploration-Satellite Service band in accordance with the limits specified in Recommendation ITU-R RA.769.
1.25 To consider possible additional allocations to the mobile-satellite service, in accordance with Resolution 231 (WRC 07). Recommendation: Satellite downlink transmissions should have low enough out-of-band emissions to minimize interference with radio astronomy based on Recommendation ITU-R RA.769. This applies to uplinks as well, though if well separated from observatory sites, uplinks are unlikely to cause interference.

Recommendation: According to International Footnote 5.458, “;Administrations [are urged to] bear in mind the needs of the Earth exploration-satellite (passive) and space research (passive) services in their future planning” of this frequency range to protect current and future spaceborne observatories.
8.1.1 On the activities of the Radiocommunication Sector since WRC 07. Conclusion: Earth observation using radiocommunication frequencies has become a key means of understanding the effects of changes in both the natural and artificial environment, and of providing information for effective decision making and resource management in many areas of society and life. In addition, Earth science and observation technology have economic benefits, both in job creation and in early warning of potentially disastrous and disruptive situations. These benefits will continue and increase as technology pushes mankind’s understanding of its environment even further.
8.2 To recommend to the Council items for inclusion in the agenda for the next WRC, and to give its views on the preliminary agenda for the subsequent conference and on possible agenda items for future conferences, taking into account Resolution 806 (WRC 07). Recommendation: A secondary allocation for Earth Exploration-Satellite Service (passive) between 6.425 and 7.250 GHz should be sought to normalize the radio regulations with the current and planned practical passive use of the spectrum for Earth observation.
Suggested Citation:"Executive Summary." National Research Council. 2013. Views of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences and National Academy of Engineering on Agenda Items at Issue at the World Radiocommunication Conference 2012. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13000.
×
Agenda Item Text of Agenda Item Conclusion and/or Recommendation of the Committee
1.20 To consider the results of ITU R studies and spectrum identification for gateway links for high altitude platform stations (HAPS) in the range 5 850-7 075 MHz in order to support operations in the fixed and mobile services, in accordance with Resolution 734 (Rev.WRC 07). Recommendation: Unwanted emissions should be low enough to meet the levels of Recommendation ITU-R RA.769 in Radio Astronomy Service frequency allocations if HAPS platforms are deployed within range of radio astronomy observatories.

Recommendation: Spectrum selected for HAPS gateway links should avoid frequencies used for Earth observation by current and planned remote-sensing satellites in accordance with ITU Footnote 5.458.

NOTE: AM(R)S, Aeronautical Mobile (R) Service; EESS, Earth Exploration-satellite Service; HAPS, high altitude platform stations; ITU, International Telecommunications Union; ITU-R, International Telecommunications Union-Radiocommunication; NOAA, U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; NASA, U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration; RAS, Radio Astronomy Service; WRC, World Radiocommunication Conference.
SOURCE: Agenda items from the International Telecommunications Union-Radiocommunication Sector website, available at http://www.itu.int/ITU-R/index.asp?category=study-groups&rlink=rcpm-wrc-12-studies&lang=en, accessed July 28, 2010.

Suggested Citation:"Executive Summary." National Research Council. 2013. Views of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences and National Academy of Engineering on Agenda Items at Issue at the World Radiocommunication Conference 2012. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13000.
×
Page 1
Suggested Citation:"Executive Summary." National Research Council. 2013. Views of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences and National Academy of Engineering on Agenda Items at Issue at the World Radiocommunication Conference 2012. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13000.
×
Page 2
Suggested Citation:"Executive Summary." National Research Council. 2013. Views of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences and National Academy of Engineering on Agenda Items at Issue at the World Radiocommunication Conference 2012. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13000.
×
Page 3
Suggested Citation:"Executive Summary." National Research Council. 2013. Views of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences and National Academy of Engineering on Agenda Items at Issue at the World Radiocommunication Conference 2012. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13000.
×
Page 4
Suggested Citation:"Executive Summary." National Research Council. 2013. Views of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences and National Academy of Engineering on Agenda Items at Issue at the World Radiocommunication Conference 2012. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13000.
×
Page 5
Suggested Citation:"Executive Summary." National Research Council. 2013. Views of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences and National Academy of Engineering on Agenda Items at Issue at the World Radiocommunication Conference 2012. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13000.
×
Page 6
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The passive, receive-only Radio Astronomy Service (RAS) and the Earth Exploration-Satellite Service (EESS) provide otherwise impossible scientific observations of the Universe and Earth through the use of advanced receiver technology with extreme sensitivity and the employment of complex noise reduction algorithms. Even with such technology, RAS and EESS are quite adversely affected by what most active services would consider low noise levels.

To ensure their ability to use the radio spectrum for scientific purposes, scientists must be party to the discussion in the lead-up to the World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC), which will next be held in January and February 2012 in Geneva, Switzerland. By request of the National Science Foundation and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the National Research Council was convened to provide guidance to the U.S. spectrum managers and policymakers as they prepare for the WRC in order to protect the scientific exploration of the Earth and Universe using the radio spectrum. While the resulting document is targeted at U.S. agencies, representatives of foreign governments and foreign scientific users will find its contents useful as they plan their own WRC positions.

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