Spectrum Utilization for the International Space Station Communications and Tracking Systems

Abstract

Over its lifetime, the international Space Station Program will use a variety of communications and tracking systems which could span the frequency spectrum from VHF to optical wavelengths. Primary communications traffic will initially occur in the S-band and Ku-band regions. Tracking will initially consist mostly of L-band satellite links. As the demand for more C&T services increases in the growth phase, use of millimeter and optical wavelengths will be required. Although many issues remain to be resolved, the most significant interference concern at present is that of Ku-band space/space links between co-orbiting Space Station elements.