A Basic Program for the 1963 Extraordinary Administrative Radio Conference on Space Communications
- Paper ID
IAF-60-20
- author
- company
American Rocket Society
- country
U.S.A.
- year
1960
- abstract
Allocations for Space and Earth/Space radio services were included in the Radio Regulations annexed to the International Telecommunication Convention, signed in Geneva in 1959. The inadequacy of the allocations for future expanded uses was frankly admitted by the representatives of many of the signatory nations. All nations tentatively agreed at the Geneva Conference, to convene an Extraordinary Administrative Radio Conference in 1963 to provide adequate radio spectrum segments for all categories of space (cosmic) communications and services. The Conference will be convened if sufficient data as to needs for and the manner of use of additional frequencies are delivered to the Administrative Council of the International Telecommunication Union no later than May of 1962. A program of research and preparation for the 1963 Conference is described in detail. The agencies available to participate in the program are identified. The facilities and personnel available to such agencies are discussed. The extent of present use of the radio spectrum in space projects is outlined. The requirements for future use of the radio spectrum in proposed space projects are discussed on the basis of an examination of the announced needs of the governmental and commercial bodies active in astronautics programs. Some projections as to requirements in the foreseeable future are discussed. The number of space vehicles now in operation is expected to multiply steadily by an appreciable factor during the immediate months and years of the ensuing decade. New uses of radio in space are planned for the immediate future, such as in the major field of space communications relay. The inhibiting problems of equipment limitations, extraterrestrial noise, “the plasma effect”, identification, control and silencing are reviewed. The efficiency of the several types of emission is stated as a major area of concern. Specific developmental programs such as a new system of navigation on earth are considered. It is concluded that the International Astronautical Federation must serve as a central scientific and engineering fact-gathering body, and that a special committee within the IAF should prepare recommendations for study by the International Radio Consultative Committee of the International Telecommunication Union.