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Assessing Spectrum Compatibility for Beyond-Line-of-Sight UAS Control and Non-Payload CommunicationsIn order to provide for the safe integration of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) into the National Airspace System (NAS), the control and non-payload communications (CNPC) link must be highly reliable. A specific requirement is that it must operate using aviation safety radiofrequency spectrum. Two types of links are required - line-of-sight (LOS) using terrestrial-based communications and beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) using satellite communications. The 2012 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-12) provided a suitable allocation for LOS CNPC spectrum in the 5030 to 5091 MHz band which, when combined with a previously existing allocation fulfills the LOS spectrum requirement. The 5030 to 5091 MHz band is also allocated for BLOS CNPC, but since a significant portion of that band is required for LOS CNPC, additional BLOS spectrum is required. More critically, there are no satellites in operation or in development to provide such services in that band. Hence BLOS CNPC cannot be provided in protected aviation spectrum under current conditions. To fill this gap and enable integration of UAS into the NAS, it has been proposed to allow CNPC to operate over certain Fixed Satellite Service (FSS) bands in which many satellites currently provide commercial services. To enable this, changes in international regulation must be enacted. Agenda Item 1.5 of the 2015 WRC examines the possible regulatory changes needed. As part of the examination process, sharing between potential UAS using satellite communications for BLOS CNPC and other services allocated to the FSS bands being considered must be studied. This paper reviews the technical requirements and approach being undertaken for these sharing studies, with emphasis on study of interference from UAS into digital repeater links operating under the Fixed Service allocation. These studies are being conducted by NASA Glenn Research Center.
Document ID
20150002319
Acquisition Source
Glenn Research Center
Document Type
Technical Memorandum (TM)
Authors
Kerczewski, Robert J.
(NASA Glenn Research Center Cleveland, OH United States)
Wilson, Jeffrey D.
(NASA Glenn Research Center Cleveland, OH United States)
Bishop, William D.
(Verizon Business Federal Network Systems Cleveland, OH, United States)
Date Acquired
March 3, 2015
Publication Date
November 1, 2014
Subject Category
Aircraft Communications And Navigation
Air Transportation And Safety
Report/Patent Number
NASA/TM-2014-218407
E-18985
GRC-E-DAA-TN14171
Meeting Information
Meeting: Integrated Communications, Navigation and Surveillance (ICNS) 2014 Conference
Location: Herndon, VA
Country: United States
Start Date: April 8, 2014
End Date: April 10, 2014
Sponsors: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NNC08BA09B
WBS: WBS 425425.04.03.03.02
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.
Keywords
superhigh frequencies
spectra
compatibility
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