XPost: uk.radio.amateur, free.uk.amateur-radio, rec.radio.info
AMSAT-UK
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Ofcom Consultation: Space Spectrum Strategy
Posted: 15 Mar 2022 12:13 PM PDT
https://amsat-uk.org/2022/03/15/ofcom-consultation-space-spectrum-strategy/
Ofcom are holding a public consultation on their proposed strategy for
managing radio spectrum used by the space sector.
Ofcom say:
Supporting the growing use of cutting-edge satellite technology to offer innovative services for people and businesses, is at the heart of Ofcom’s
new proposed space spectrum strategy.
The space sector is expanding rapidly, with the number of space launches increasing by almost 60% between 2017 and 2021.
Companies such as OneWeb and SpaceX are deploying large numbers of new satellites – known as non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) satellite systems. Meanwhile, universities and start-ups are using smaller satellites to test
and trial a range of exciting new projects.
Our proposed space spectrum strategy sets out our priorities for how we
will help the sector deliver even more services in the coming years, while making sure it uses spectrum efficiently.
Supporting the growth of satellite broadband
Thousands of NGSO satellites orbit the Earth constantly, tracked by
satellite dishes as they move across the sky, to provide broadband to homes
and businesses in remote locations.
But these innovative news services need radio spectrum to work – and that’s where Ofcom comes in.
Our job is to make sure this spectrum is used efficiently and manage risks
of interference between different spectrum users. So our space spectrum strategy sets out where we think we can make the biggest difference over
the next two to four years, building on the licensing changes we introduced last year.
This includes considering options for future access to UK spectrum that
could boost the capacity of satellite services, such as additional access
to the 14.25 – 14.50 GHz band, as well as pursuing improvements to international NGSO rules.
Protecting vital Earth observation services
Earth observation satellites are playing an increasingly important role in collecting data on climate change. For example, they use radio waves to
monitor changes in the natural world, such as the changing thickness of ice
in polar regions. These systems also help other industries, such as agriculture, the emergency services and weather forecasting.
Part of our job is to help ensure Earth observation systems are protected
from interference from other spectrum users.
Safe access to space
The rapidly rising numbers of space objects and proposals for mega-constellations has led to concerns across the space community about
the potential for space debris.
Our role is to make sure there is appropriate spectrum available for
systems that support the safe use of space, such as radar systems that
track the many objects in space.
Helen Hearn, Ofcom Interim Spectrum Group Director, said: “While spectrum might be alien to some, we all rely on these invisible radio waves every
day. And they’re vital to the rapidly growing space industry.
“So as the next generation of satellites beam down vital information to us, we’re playing our part to help the sector continue its journey and make
sure these enterprising pioneers have the launchpad they need.”
The consultation closes on 24 May 2022 and we aim to publish our final
strategy later this year.
Consultation document
https://ofcom.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0024/233853/consultation-space-spectrum-refresh.pdf
Further details anf response form at
https://www.ofcom.org.uk/consultations-and-statements/category-2/space-spectrum-strategy
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