The ITU is set to approve two new...

The ITU is set to approve two new recommendations on the future coordinated use of 401-403 MHz spectrum and revisions to four other recommendations that deal with space research earth station parameters for use in interference calculations and coordination procedures, data relay satellite systems, and on the importance of the radio quiet zone of the L2 Lagrange point for future space-based radio-astronomy missions, said the ITU Radiocommunication Bureau director in a letter to administrations. Comments are due Dec. 10. The new recommendations provide information on the current and future use of non-geostationary data collection systems (DCS) in 401-403 MHz, including “portioning” to allow all DCS systems equal access to the spectrum, it said. One new recommendation provides protection criteria for non-geosynchronous orbit data collection platforms in 401-403 MHz, it said. The second provides basic partitioning and sharing conditions for future long-term coordinated use of data collection systems on geostationary and non-geostationary systems in the meteorological satellite service and the Earth exploration satellite service. Protection criteria were proposed on the operation of data relay satellite systems, the letter said. Draft changes account for protection criteria parameter values used by the U.S., China and Russia, and for system users, for operation of data relay satellite systems, it said. Another draft change provides information on use of the radio-quiet environment and stable orbits at the L2 Lagrange point, and reiterates the importance of preserving the environment for future space-based radioastronomy missions, it said.