Space Race and Megaconstellations
There are two significant space races currently ongoing: one for lunar exploration and another for claiming radio frequencies and orbital slots around Earth, driven by companies launching megaconstellations of satellites. These constellations are enhancing global Internet access while competing for the limited electromagnetic spectrum crucial for satellite communications.
Role of Spectrum in Satellite Communication
- The spectrum refers to the range of radio frequencies used for wireless data transmission, essential for satellite operations.
- The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) allocates electromagnetic spectrum bands for communication between satellites and ground stations.
- Key frequency bands include:
- Ku-band (12-18 GHz) and Ka-band (26-40 GHz): Used for high-speed satellite internet.
- L-band (1-2 GHz): Utilized for GPS.
Competition for Orbital Slots
Satellites require specific orbital slots for their broadcasts to reach ground antennae, leading to intense competition:
- Companies like SpaceX's Starlink, OneWeb, Amazon's Project Kuiper, and China's GuoWang are deploying thousands of satellites.
- The satellite megaconstellation market is projected to grow from $4.27 billion in 2024 to $27.31 billion by 2032.
Regulatory and Strategic Challenges
- The ITU operates a first-come, first-served system for spectrum coordination, favoring well-capitalized entities.
- The World Radiocommunication Conference 2023 introduced reforms to mitigate spectrum-hoarding, requiring phased deployment of megaconstellations.
Impact on Global Connectivity
Megaconstellations are crucial for bridging connectivity gaps between countries:
- Low-earth orbit satellites offer lower latency, benefiting remote applications like telemedicine and online education.
- However, affordability remains a challenge with high costs for user terminals and subscriptions.
India's Role and Challenges
- India's GSAT-N2 satellite enhances connectivity in remote regions.
- The Telecom Regulatory Authority has suggested administrative spectrum allocation to maintain affordability.
Orbital Sustainability Concerns
- With over 27,000 pieces of space debris, sustainability is a growing concern.
- The ITU's resolution requires satellites to deorbit within 25 years post-mission, although compliance is currently low.
Conclusion
To sustain the benefits of megaconstellations, a balance between commercial innovation, equitable access, and orbital sustainability is essential. Emerging space nations like India must actively shape international frameworks to ensure space remains a shared and accessible resource.
