Space Frequency Allocations
Visual reference for RF frequency bands used in space communications, satellite operations, and spectrum management.
RF Spectrum Overview
Click any band segment to view details. Widths are shown on a logarithmic scale.
Band Directory
Band Comparison Highlights
Highest Bandwidth
Optical / Laser
Tbps-class links possible with no spectrum licensing
Best Rain Resilience
UHF / L-band
Sub-3 GHz bands offer <0.5 dB attenuation in heavy rain
Fastest Growing
Ka-band / V-band
Mega-constellations driving explosive demand for HTS capacity
Most Secure
EHF (30-300 GHz)
Narrow beams and anti-jam properties for military SATCOM
| Band | Frequency | Typical Use | Rain Fade | Bandwidth | Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UHF | 0.3-3 GHz | Telemetry | Low | Low | High |
| L-band | 1-2 GHz | GNSS | Low | Low | High |
| S-band | 2-4 GHz | TT&C | Low | Med | High |
| C-band | 4-8 GHz | FSS | Low | Med | High |
| X-band | 8-12 GHz | Military | Med | Med | High |
| Ku-band | 12-18 GHz | DTH/VSAT | Med | Med | High |
| Ka-band | 26.5-40 GHz | HTS | High | High | Med |
| V-band | 40-75 GHz | LEO Mega | Very High | Very High | Low |
| Optical | 100-800 THz | ISL/Relay | N/A (clouds) | Extreme | Med |
Regulatory Context
ITU World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC)
The ITU-R allocates spectrum globally through the Radio Regulations, updated at WRC every 3-4 years. WRC-23 addressed Ka/V-band non-GSO constellation sharing rules, EESS allocations, and IMT identification in bands above 100 GHz. WRC-27 will examine further Q/V/W-band satellite allocations and optical communication frameworks.
C-band 5G Transition
The FCC's C-band Order reallocated 3.7-3.98 GHz from satellite to 5G terrestrial use, generating $81B in auction revenue. Satellite operators were relocated to 4.0-4.2 GHz with compressed transponder plans. This precedent raises concerns about future reallocation pressure on other satellite bands as terrestrial 5G/6G demand grows.
EPFD Limits for NGSO
Non-geostationary (NGSO) mega-constellations must comply with Equivalent Power Flux Density (EPFD) limits to protect GSO satellite networks. ITU Article 22 defines these limits per band. Starlink, Kuiper, and OneWeb must demonstrate compliance through complex orbital simulations before operations commence.
Optical Comms: Unregulated Frontier
Free-space optical links currently require no spectrum license since they operate above 3 THz and fall outside ITU Radio Regulations. However, as optical inter-satellite links proliferate (Starlink has 9,000+ laser terminals), the community is debating whether safety standards and coordination frameworks are needed for ground-to-space optical uplinks to prevent aircraft hazards.
Related Tools & References
Data compiled from ITU Radio Regulations, FCC spectrum allocations, and public filings. For official allocations consult the ITU Radio Regulations.