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ITU-R Handbook on Small Satellites

Handbook on Small Satellites now available! 

Noting that the trend of development and utilization of small satellite technologies is a global phenomenon, and it is expected to bring benefits to the entire world, including both developed and developing economies, the ITU-R membership has expressed a strong desire and need to develop an ITU-R Small Satellite Handbook in various ITU-R conferences, assemblies and meetings.
Proposals from the broadest possible stakeholders (e.g. academia, operators, manufacturers, launch service providers and administrators etc.), are sought for this activity.

Any proposals from ITU-R members should be submitted directly to WP 4A in accordance with Resolution ITU-R 1-8.

Submissions from other organizations/entities which are not members of ITU-R could be addressed to SmallSatHB@itu.int. These submissions could be prepared as inputs to WP 4A.

Introduction

The launch of the first artificial Earth “small” satellite, Sputnik 1, triggered the space race in 1957. In the decades that followed, there was the development of increasingly larger satellites in order to provide reliable services from space over extended periods of time. Since then, with the increasing demand of radio-frequency spectrum and satellite-orbit usages and sustained growth of technological breakthroughs and innovation of space communication along with the booming capabilities in satellite manufacturing, a dramatic rise in the development of small satellites and systems has been witnessed, especially over the last ten years. The small satellite industry is experiencing an era of unprecedented change.

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Purpose

- to extend international cooperation among all ITU Member States, entities and organizations for the development and rational use of small satellites;

- to promote the adoption of small satellite technologies on a worldwide basis while striving to meet in a rational, equitable, effective, efficient, economic, and timely way of use of radio-frequency spectrum and satellite-orbit resources;

- to provide a detailed guidance on the regulatory environment and procedures, specifically the application of the Radio Regulations, for administrations, small satellite operators and service providers in the study/research, design, launch and application of small satellites.

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Current Status

Useful Tools

Contacts

The Bureau encourages active contributions from all participants involved in the small satellite industry.

For more information, please contact us via E-mail: SmallSatHB@itu.int