The Spectrum Needs of U.S. Space-Based Operations: An Inventory of Current and Projected Uses

The United States is a global leader in the development and deployment of advanced, space-based technologies. Yet there is relatively little public awareness of the scope and scale or the economic benefits of these space-based technologies and even less recognition of the core public resource needed to operate and support them: radio-frequency spectrum. This report aims to provide basic information that will help increase public understanding of the scope and value of these space-based operations and the importance of their access to spectrum. It describes the wide range of government and commercial space-based operations and the value they provide to the economy and our quality of life, both here in the United States and globally. The report also contains detailed information about the specific frequencies used by these systems—a hopefully useful tool for policymakers and others going forward.