Earth exploration-satellite service
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Earth exploration-satellite service (also: Earth exploration-satellite radiocommunication service) is – according to Article 1.51 of the International Telecommunication Union's (ITU) Radio Regulations (RR)[1] – defined as:
A radiocommunication service between earth stations and one or more space stations, which may include links between space stations, in which:
- information relating to the characteristics of the Earth and its natural phenomena, including data relating to the state of the environment, is obtained from passive or active sensors on satellites;
- similar information is collected from airborne or Earth-based platforms;
- such information may be distributed to earth stations within the system concerned;
- platform interrogation may be included.
This service may also include feeder links necessary for its operation.
Classification[]
This radiocommunication service is classified in accordance with ITU Radio Regulations (article 1) as follows:
Fixed service (article 1.20)
- Fixed-satellite service (article 1.21)
- Inter-satellite service (article 1.22)
- Earth exploration-satellite service
- Meteorological-satellite service (article 1.52)
Frequency allocation[]
The allocation of radio frequencies is provided according to Article 5 of the ITU Radio Regulations (edition 2012).[2]
In order to improve harmonisation in spectrum utilisation, the majority of service-allocations stipulated in this document were incorporated in national Tables of Frequency Allocations and Utilisations which is with-in the responsibility of the appropriate national administration. The allocation might be primary, secondary, exclusive, and shared.
- primary allocation: is indicated by writing in capital letters (see example below)
- secondary allocation: is indicated by small letters
- exclusive or shared utilization: is within the responsibility of administrations
However, military usage, in bands where there is civil usage, will be in accordance with the ITU Radio Regulations.
- Example of frequency allocation
Allocation to services | ||
Region 1 | Region 2 | Region 3 |
401-402 MHz METEOROLOGICAL AIDS
| ||
13.4-13.75 GHz EARTH EXPLORATION-SATELLITE (active)
|
Classification[]
In accordance with ITU Radio Regulations (article 1) variations of this radiocommunication service are classified as follows:
Fixed service (article 1.22)
- Earth exploration-satellite service' (article 1.51)
- Meteorological-satellite service (article 1.52)
Examples[]
- GNSS radio occultation
- Microwave radiometer#Spaceborne
- Radar imaging
- Satellite altimetry
See also[]
References / sources[]
- ^ ITU Radio Regulations, Section IV. Radio Stations and Systems – Article 1.51, definition: earth exploration-satellite service / earth exploration-satellite radiocommunication service
- ^ ITU Radio Regulations, CHAPTER II – Frequencies, ARTICLE 5 Frequency allocations, Section IV – Table of Frequency Allocations
- International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
- Earth exploration-satellite service. ITU, Genf 2011. ISBN 92-61-13761-X
- Radiocommunication services ITU
- Satellite broadcasting