Audrey Allison, Boeing
Keywords: LEO, radio frequency spectrum, treaty, mega-LEO, ITU, Radio Regulations, United Nations
Abstract:
Low Earth orbit is becoming increasingly crowded. As the first so-called megaconstellations” of hundreds or thousands of small satellites are launched, an increasing number of smaller satellites are also entering LEO from newly emerging spacefaring nations and many others. One intergovernmental organization, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), is addressing regulatory challenges raised by these innovations while seeking to preserve the sustainability of LEO all within the framework of the Outer Space Treaty and the limits of its own mandate.
This paper will highlight notable actions by the ITUs recent World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-19) where Member States adopted innovative new international regulations to balance the introduction of new technologies and services in space whilst ensuring the observation of existing international legal norms within its purview.
The Final Acts of WRC-19 are a treaty-level agreement that is incorporated into the ITUs Radio Regulations. The next World Radio Conference, scheduled for 2023, will continue this cadence of law making in response to technology development and the needs of Member States. Thus, space law is undergoing continuous creation and evolution at this small United Nations organization a possible model for others.
Date of Conference: September 15-18, 2020
Track: SSA/SDA