Spectrum for Earth Observation
Why does radio spectrum matter to Earth observation, and what are the risks to the frequencies EO depends on?
Chapter summary
EO depends on spectrum in two ways.
Key takeaways
- 1
First, every satellite needs radio frequencies to send its data to the ground (downlink bands such as X-band and Ka-band) and to be commanded.
- 2
Second, some sensors are themselves users of spectrum: SAR transmits in allocated radar bands (X, C, L), and passive microwave sensors for weather and climate listen to natural emissions in protected bands.
- 3
Growth of 5G and satellite broadband increases interference pressure on both.
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