The United States is gearing up for the World Radiocommunication Conference 2027 (WRC-27), an international gathering that will shape the future of radio-frequency spectrum allocation. This conference, set to take place in Shanghai from October to November 2027, is a critical juncture for the space industry, as it will address spectrum usage for space applications.
The U.S. administration is taking a proactive approach, aiming to be more prepared than ever before. Ryan Baasch, deputy director of the National Economic Council, emphasizes the administration's seriousness in winning at WRC-27, ensuring U.S. industry dominance post-conference. This commitment is reflected in the country's early and thorough preparation, with officials finalizing positions well ahead of the event.
Charlie Powell, assistant director of space and spectrum at the Office of Science and Technology Policy, highlights a significant milestone: the United States will have its agenda items and positions ready before WRC-27. This strategic move allows the U.S. to champion its positions with allies and partners, a crucial advantage in a conference where over 80% of the agenda relates to non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) satellite systems.
However, concerns arise regarding the conference's location in China. The potential for Chinese influence or surveillance casts a shadow over the proceedings. The administration is addressing these issues by exploring security measures and delegation size, emphasizing the need for U.S. participation to safeguard its industry's interests.
The conference's agenda is packed with spectrum-related topics. Amazon Leo seeks additional satellite spectrum in the V-band and 17.3-17.7 GHz range, while Astranis aims to revise power flux density rules for NGSO systems. These changes would enable higher power operation without interfering with geostationary orbit satellites.
On the other hand, companies like Planet and Astrolab have different priorities. Planet worries about proposals allowing terrestrial mobile services in X-band, crucial for its Earth Exploration-Satellite Service (EESS) operations. Astrolab, a lunar rover developer, is closely monitoring an agenda item for lunar spectrum usage, essential for accommodating the growing number of lunar missions.
Despite the complexity of WRC-27, the importance of spectrum allocation cannot be overstated. As Manny Shar, senior director of growth at Astrolab, notes, spectrum is a finite resource that demands careful consideration. The conference's outcome will significantly impact the technology stack, making it a critical arena for the U.S. to secure its technological and industrial leadership.
