Spectrum
Every NASA missions requires use of the electromagnetic spectrum to communicate with our spacecraft and send vital data back to Earth. NASA’s Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) program provides spectrum management on behalf of NASA at both the national and international stages, enabling secure and efficient communication networks for NASA.
Spectrum Overview
Overview of the electromagnetic spectrum.
The electromagnetic spectrum is comprised of all frequencies of electromagnetic radiation that propagate energy and travel through space in the form of waves. NASA utilizes a number of tools that allow us to communicate and create images utilizing almost every single component of the electromagnetic spectrum in one way or another.
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Spectrum Usage
All NASA missions use the spectrum.
NASA’s requirements for access to the radio frequency spectrum began with the formation of the agency in 1958 and have evolved and grown over the decades to include a wide array of programs and applications. Virtually every endeavor by the agency requires communications or data transfer via the radio spectrum.
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Spectrum Management
From spectrum allocation to compliance.
Society’s increasing use of radio-based technologies, and the opportunities for development that these technologies provide, highlight the importance of radio spectrum management.
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Certification Process
A guide to NASA Spectrum policy.
It is NASA policy that any NASA satellite mission requiring the use of the electromagnetic spectrum for transmission, reception, or both, shall follow the United States spectrum regulatory rules and processes, as well as all applicable international spectrum regulations.
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