Together with URE and AMSAT-EA, I have presented a proposal for the upcoming IARU R1 Vienna interim meeting 2019 addressing the problems derived from the use of Amateur satellite spectrum by universties, research institutions and private companies. The title of the proposal is “Satellites transmitting on Amateur bands with undocummented protocols or without permission”, and the text of the proposal can be found here.
This proposal addresses the problems caused both by satellites that are using undocummented protocols for their telemetry, so Amateurs are unable to decode their signals, and satellites that are transmitting without having obtained the appropriate IARU frequency coordination.
The number of small satellites that are launched each year seems to be growing steadily, and many satellite developers are resorting to the Amateur satellite service as a way to obtain free spectrum access, regardless of whether their mission fits the requirements for an Amateur satellite. I think that we must try to defend our Amateur bands and ensure that proper use is made of them. Hopefully this proposal is a first step in making people aware of the problem and trying to find solutions.
A related document was written by the Open Research Institute to the FCC on July 2018. This is a recommended reading.
Please help spread this proposal to give visibility to the current problems with the Amateur satellite spectrum.
Fully support the described proposals. Will forward this document to the Dutch Radio Amateur societies VERON and VRZA. 73 Albert PD0OXW ( for the time ….being as last week passed my exam for the F-licence ! !!)
Thank you very much for proposal and the effort.
we are presenting this paper and the topic to IARU R2 too… will be in touch for the working groups. Thanks for your effort.