In the past, radio astronomers have sought isolation from man-made signals by placing their telescopes in remote locations. These measures may no longer safeguard scientific observations, since NGSO satellite systems, particularly low-Earth orbit (LEO) systems, are usually designed to provide global or wide regional coverage. Further, radio astronomers have historically made their observations in the frequency bands allocated for their use by the member countries of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The science of radio astronomy could be adversely impacted by the deployment of large constellations of new non-geostationary orbiting (NGSO) satellites for telecommunications, navigation and Earth observation, and the proliferation of new, high-power broadcasting and telecommunication satellites in geostationary (GSO) orbits. Radio telescopes are extremely sensitive, and, in certain situations, signals from satellites can overwhelm the signals from astronomical sources. This paper describes the problem in detail and identifies ways to mitigate it without adversely affecting the continued vigorous growth of commercial space-based telecommunications.

Most radio astronomy issues at WRC-03 (World Radiocommunication Conference-03) revolved around satellite downlink allocations, particularly to NGSO (Non-Geostationary Satellite Orbit) satellite systems, in bands adjacent to or close to a radio astronomy frequency band. Out of a total of 50 agenda items, ten were of interest to radio astronomers. This paper provides some details about the important outcome of the radio astronomy related issues at the WRC-03.

WRC-03 was held between 9 June and 4 July 2003 in Geneva, Switzerland. Over 2,200 delegates from 138 ITU Member States attended the Conference. The delegates considered some 2,500 proposals, and over 900 numbered documents related to 50 agenda items. The final output of the Conference consists of 527 pages of new and revised text of the Radio Regulations. This paper provides some details about the outcome of the radio astronomy related issues at the WRC-03 Conference. It is divided into two part: a) Agenda item1.8.2 and b) Agenda item 1.32, related to radio astronomy. Relevant extracts from the Final Acts of WRC-03 are given in the Appendix. Agenda item 1.8.2 was one of the most controversial Agenda Items at WRC-03. Studies were carried out within ITU-R TG 1/7 for the last three years; the results of these studies are summarized in Recommendation ITU-R SM.1633. The Conference adopted a new footnote (5.347A), that calls for the application of Resolution 739 (WRC-03) in the 1452-1492 MHz, 1525-1559 MHz, 1613.8-1626.5 MHz, 2655-2670 MHz, 2670-2690 MHz and 21.4-22.0 GHz bands. Agenda item 1.32 is to consider technical and reglatory provisions concerning the band 37.5-43.5 GHz, in accordance with Resolutions 128 (Rev.WRC-2000) and 84 (WRC-2000). WRC-03 reviewed and adjusted the New footnotes 5.551H and 5.551I cover the protection of radio astronomy observations in the 42.5-43.5 GHz band from unwanted emissions by non-geostationary (5.551H) and geostationary (5.551I) FSS and BSS systems, respectively.