Relevance: GS-3 (Space Technology, Digital Infrastructure), GS-2 (Global Governance) • Source: The Hindu; ITU documentation

Context

A new global space race is underway—not for the Moon, but for radio spectrum and orbital slots required by thousands of satellites forming mega-constellations. These systems promise global internet access but strain the finite spectrum and increase orbital congestion.

What is Spectrum & Why Satellites Need It?

• Spectrum = range of radio frequencies used for wireless communication.
  
• Satellite communication relies on L-band (1–2 GHz), S-band, C-band, Ku-band (12–18 GHz), Ka-band (26–40 GHz) for high-speed data links.
  
• Spectrum is scarce and must be used without causing interference—making coordination vital.
  

What Are Mega-Constellations & Their Challenges?

Mega-constellations (e.g., SpaceX Starlink with 4,200+ satellites; Amazon’s Kuiper; China’s GuoWang) involve thousands of satellites orbiting in low Earth orbit to provide broadband.
Problems they create:

• Spectrum congestion & interference
  
• Orbital crowding → collision risks and space debris
  
• Inequality → large actors dominate valuable orbital positions
  
• Environmental costs & affordability concerns
  

ITU & Its Role

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is the specialized agency of the United Nations for information and communication technologies (ICTs), with 184 members. Established in 1865, it is the oldest agency in the UN family and is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.

• It coordinates global use of spectrum and orbital slots.
• Follows a first-come, first-served but use-it-or-lose-it approach.
  
• Countries must file and coordinate satellite networks internationally.
  
• ITU Resolution 219 and WRC-23 aim to strengthen sustainable use of space resources.
  

Digital Divide & the Path Forward

Mega-constellations promise lower latency and global connectivity—helpful for remote regions—but the cost remains high, limiting access for developing countries.
Sustainable solutions include:

• Shared spectrum frameworks
  
• International rules for debris mitigation
  
• Affordable pricing models (e.g., ITU estimates $2.6 trillion needed to close the divide by 2030)
  
• National regulatory reforms (e.g., India’s spectrum allocations certified by ISRO/GSAT tests)

Q. Consider the following statements:

1. Ka-band frequencies are commonly used for high-capacity satellite broadband links.
   
2. Coordination of global radio spectrum and orbital slots is mandated under the ITU framework.
   
3. Mega-constellations reduce the need for debris-mitigation rules because they operate only in higher geostationary orbits.
   

Select the correct answer:
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: A