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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Satellite power system (SPS) international agreements

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/6187152· OSTI ID:6187152
This study identifies the problems in obtaining international agreements on geostationary orbit availability, microwave frequency allocations and microwave frequency standards for satellites transmitting solar power. Its findings and recommendations are based on relevant literature, official documents and their interpretation, as well as on an evaluation of recent trends in the world community. With respect to geostationary orbit availability, applicable provisions of international space law, the Bogota Declaration and arguments pro and con are reviewed. The claims of equatorial countries are found legally and scientifically untenable but a fairly substantial support is noted in the Legal Subcommittee of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space for equity and fairness in consideration of the development of legal principles governing the use of geostationary orbit within the framework of the Outer Space Treaty. A review of International Telecommunicaion Union (ITU) related instruments indicates that while the first come, first served principle regarding the use of geostationary orbit has remained basically unaltered from a strictly legal point of view, the key issue will be how to translate what the ITU calls the efficient and economic use and equitable access into more specific legal and technical principles and rules relating to the geostationary orbit for what the Outer Space Treaty calls the benefit and interests of all countries.
Research Organization:
PRC Energy Analysis Co., McLean, VA (USA)
OSTI ID:
6187152
Report Number(s):
HCP/R4024-12
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English