ITU Addresses Regulatory Requirements for Small Satellite Communication Systems

The three-day symposium and workshop on small satellite regulation and communication systems was held in Prague, Czech Republic, 2-4 March 2015 focused on the regulatory aspects of the use of the radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits for small satellite communication systems, in particular on the application of the provisions of the ITU Radio Regulations.

The symposium was organized by ITU in cooperation with ITU Academia Member, the Czech Technical University’s Faculty of Electrical Engineering (CTU FEE).

More than 160 participants from around 40 countries attended the symposium, considered an important step in preparing for the forthcoming World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-15), which will take place in Geneva, 2-27 November 2015.

Delegates discussed the challenges facing the development of small satellites, including aspects related to national and international  legal and regulatory issues, frequency management and radiocommunication standardization.

Participants reiterated the need to ensure the long-term sustainability of small satellites in outer space. They stressed the importance of implementing national regulatory frameworks, clearly defining the rights and obligations of all stakeholders, in conformity with international laws, regulations and procedures established by the UN General Assembly, the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UN COPUOS) and ITU.

These regulatory issues are related to the registration of objects launched into outer space, radiofrequency coordination and the registration of satellite networks, as well as compliance with the “Space debris mitigation guidelines”.

Participants recommended that ITU continue capacity-building activities on the regulation of satellite communication systems.

The symposium concluded with the unanimous endorsement of the ‘Prague Declaration on Small Satellite Regulation and Communication Systems’.

“The symposium provided a unique opportunity for experts to examine the procedures for notifying space networks and consider possible modifications to enable the deployment and operation of small satellites,” said ITU Secretary-General Houlin Zhao. “The Prague Declaration represents an important step in this direction.”

“In partnership with key players, including academic institutions, ITU is addressing newly emerging requirements by various industry sectors to place small communication satellite systems in orbit,” said François Rancy, Director of the ITU Radiocommunication Bureau,  in his closing remarks.

“We are examining the regulatory aspects of the use of radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits to facilitate the launch and operation of a new generation of small satellites.”