As the space environment becomes increasingly crowded, it is at the same time also becoming more contested as military and commercial organisations from around the world compete for use of the radio spectrum. Demand for connectivity is growing, and new industries and technologies understandably want to leverage the spectrum for use by a whole host of existing and new applications. A wide range of current and future services such as IoT applications like smart homes, grids and cities, industry 4.0, intelligent transport systems, autonomous vehicles, and 6G are all reliant on the spectrum.
Challenges around spectrum management
This increased demand is making the limited spectrum increasingly valuable, and it’s therefore critical that its use is managed effectively to prevent interference. If the wrong decisions are made regarding spectrum allocation, it can have major implications on performance for many users. And for military and defence bodies, errors can also impact national security. National bodies are responsible for managing use of the spectrum within their borders, and this is coordinated at international level by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
However, regulatory frameworks around spectrum use have not kept up as space has been democratised, and as such, are no longer aligned with needs of users and more often than not, are inadequate. It’s clear that to protect the finite spectrum, support innovation, and enable fair and acceptable use by all, we need to manage this contested domain more effectively. And to do this, we need better coordination and cooperation, as was agreed at the recent Global Milsatcom conference when this topic was considered in a panel discussion with experts from across the satcom and milsatcom industry.
Balancing competing demands for spectrum use
As demand for connectivity grows, military organisations are finding it increasingly difficult to ensure there is adequate spectrum availability for mission critical communications. The military has long used X-band for such communications, but with the expanding demand for connected services, commercial operators are increasingly attracted to the band because of the technical advantages it provides. Balancing these competing demands is no easy task. While commercial access can drive innovation and economic growth, it must not come at the expense of national security and operational readiness.
Initiatives like the new Commercial Augmentation Space Reserve in the United States provide an example of how military and commercial stakeholders can work together to ensure timely access to the spectrum during emergencies. The program is designed to enable the US government to access commercial satellites as a critical backup when its own satellite systems are over stretched. However, such mechanisms are not yet universal. In Europe, for instance, efforts to establish similar frameworks have been less successful, highlighting a gap in the ability to foster effective collaboration. Bridging this divide requires improved mechanisms for information sharing and coordination, especially when it comes to operating at multiple security levels.
Empowering better spectrum management
Emerging technologies such as AI may well play an important role in enabling more dynamic management of the spectrum in the future for effective shared use. A number of stakeholders are exploring whether AI could enable dynamic forms of sharing for optimised management.
Many satellites today are dual-use, serving both civilian and defence purposes. This duality underscores the importance of trust and collaboration. How can Governments provide robust deterrence mechanisms? And is the onus on the Goverments to protect networks from threat? Additionally, manufacturers need to incorporate advanced cybersecurity and RF protection measures as standard practice.
For both commercial and defence sectors, proactive engagement is essential to navigating the challenges of a contested space domain. This requires a commitment to collaboration on an international level, underpinned by frameworks that ensure the spectrum is allocated efficiently and equitably, even in times of crisis. As the satellite industry continues to evolve, the stakes for getting these issues right could not be higher. Spectrum management and sharing are not just technical or policy challenges, they are fundamental to the future of space as both a commercial frontier and a strategic domain.