This note will briefly discuss the possible frequency allocations we may use.

Summary/Conclusions

We aim for being classified as EESS-missions, and then aim to use frequencies listed below. Some clarifications are needed, for example the use of the 432-438 MHz.

ITU definition of EESS-service

(from ITU Radio Regulation Articles)

Clarifications to NKOM

  • Can we use the 432-438 MHz band for TTC? Under which license: amateur or EESS (active sensors)? Compared to the allocation in 400.15-403 MHz, space operations are not explisitly included.
  • What is the full interpretation of of feeder links? Can TTC be included?
  • Can both bands (432-438 MHz or 400.15 to 403 MHz) be used for operation/integrations of both UAVs and sensor nodes? Also, does this interpretation of operations include both up- and downlink?
  • Are there any restrictions on power density in the ground?

ITU Regions

Our applications mainly consider Region 1, however, for future applications related to Arctic sensor systems, Region 2 might be applicable. Therefore, we should consider these this too.

Allocations

The frequency licensing scheme that seem most relevant for us to use, are the bands allocated by Earth Exploration Satellite Services (EESS).

In UHF, the 400.15 to 403 has this + space operation (TT&C) as main allocation. In addition, there is a secondary allocation in the band 432 - 438. The main allocation here is for HAM (radio amateur) use.

Frequency plan (provided by NKOM): https://frekvens.nkom.no/

How to apply for frequencies (local wiki article/guide)

Reference Documents

Selection of relevant documentation

RECOMMENDATION TTU-R RS.1260-2

Feasibility of sharing between active spaceborne sensors and other services in the range 420 - 470 MHz

 https://www.itu.int/dms_pubrec/itu-r/rec/rs/R-REC-RS.1260-2-201709-I!!PDF-E.pdf

ITU Radio Regulation Articles

https://www.itu.int/pub/R-REG-RR-2016

EESS Handbook

https://www.itu.int/dms_pub/itu-r/opb/hdb/R-HDB-56-2011-PDF-E.pdf

 

Justifications for selection of frequencies

 (text from Roger Birkelands thesis)

ITU regulations

From ITU Radio Regulation Articles

Possible frequency allocations

The following is from the relevant sections of ITU Radio Regulations. The allocations are similar for the three regions, except for some national/regional differences. Also, PRIMARY (indicated by CAPS) and secondary (indicated by lowercase) allocations are slightly different. 

 

 

Notes (both for ITU Region 1 and ITU Region 2)

Most important:

https://www.itu.int/dms_pubrec/itu-r/rec/rs/R-REC-RS.1260-2-201709-I!!PDF-E.pdf

Region 1

 

 

Region 2