Paper Satellites

Paper number

IAC-08.E3.5.1

Author

Dr. Lubos Perek, Astronomical Institute, Czech Academy of sciences, Czech Republic

Year

2008

Abstract

There are no “Paper Satellites”. There is, however an overabundance of requests for transmission frequencies. Many requests appear in the ITU lists repeatedly, according to their status in processing and coordinating with existing space networks. As of the end of 2007, out of the 5164 requests for frequency bands in the geostationary orbit there were 2940 separate networks only. Of these, just 744 have been notified in the Master International Frequency Register and enjoyed international recognition and protection. Strict rules applied in the course of the coordinating process prevent, in principle, harmful interferences with networks already operating. Consultations are initiated in case a harmful interference occurs. 
	On the other hand, there are 360 active satellites maintained at nominal orbital positions in the geostationary orbit. A comparison table of space networks with positions of satellites shows that several networks are operated on some satellites. The table is most instructive in showing the situation at neighboring nominal positions.
	Most satellites in the table have matching networks transmitting on their frequency bands to their service areas. There is, however, a constant movement, old satellites being decommissioned and new satellites being stationed at nominal orbital positions. In addition, new networks are notified every three months in the Master International Frequency Register.
	There are cases when a network has to wait for a satellite to arrive at its nominal position, and vice versa some satellites do not have, for various reasons, at all times a duly notified network. The matching of a network with a satellite is obvious  if both, the satellite as well as the network, carry identical names. If the names are different, a match can be confirmed only if the operator published relevant information. The table helps in significantly restricting the number of possible matches. 
	The impression that there are too many satellites may be partly due to the current ambiguous usage of the term “satellite”.  In some cases reference is made to a material body, i.e. to a satellite, in other cases “satellite” is used instead of the correct term “space network”. 

Abstract document

IAC-08.E3.5.1.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-08.E3.5.1.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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