EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT Doc. 5713/5-4.9.1 12 May 1961 Mr. F. C. Alexander Director of Telecommunications Office of Civil and Defense Mobilization Washington 25, D.C. Dear Mr. Alexander: Subsequent to the decision of the 1959 Ordinary Administrative Radio Conference (ARC) of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to consider the convening of an Extraordinary Administrative Radio Conference (EARC) as early as 1963 to take action with respect to certain space radiocommunication matters, as set forth in Recommendation No. 36 of that Conference, the subject of radio frequency allocations for space radiocommunication has been under active study. The IRAC studies to date, prepared in consultation with the FCC Liaison Representative, are summed up in the enclosed statement entitled "Preliminary Views of the United States of America Frequency Allocations for Space Radiocommunication", Enclosure 1. Subject to coordination with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Enclosure 1 is intended to be cleared through normal Department of State channels at the earliest practicable date in order that it may be used by U.S. representatives as the basis of discussion with other countries. It is not intended to be a recommended United States position for the proposed 1963 space conference. Rather, its purpose is to serve as the vehicle by which the ideas and reactions of other countries can be obtained. After evaluation by the United States, these ideas and reactions can then be used as the basis for further refinements of the thinking presently outlined in Enclosure 1. By this process, and by continuing consultation and discussion at the international level, it is expected that the eventual U.S. position for the proposed 1963 space conference may be formulated. During this process, it is anticipated that further U.S. information and ideas also will affect the refinements of the presently formulated preliminary views set forth in Enclosure 1. It is recommended that you point out to the Department of State that, because of the special problems involved in frequency allocations for space radiocommunication, a major effort should be made to arrange for advance consultation with foreign governments to acquaint them with the U.S. thinking and the reasons therefor. For this purpose the Committee also has prepared a plan of action for the required advance consultation with other countries (Enclosure 2). It is recommended that, upon completion of coordination with the Commission, Enclosures 1 and 2 be forwarded to the Department of State for prompt and formal consideration. In this connection the IRAC has fully in mind the fact that, purely from a technical standpoint, the United States proposals with respect to frequency support for space radiocommunication are based on the present knowledge of the art and limited operational experience. However, in view of other considerations, it is submitted that prompt release by the U.S. Goverment of an official statement regarding present thinking on this subject is necessary. Enclosure 1 has been prepared on this basis. There is also enclosed, for coordination with the FCC but not for transmittal to the Department of State, recommended procedures for the accommodation of space communication in certain of the bands involved in these proposals (Enclosure 3). The FCC Liaison Representative has advised the Committee that he is prepared to recommend to the Commission that Enclosure 1 be adopted for the purpose of obtaining public coment and/or the views of other administrations. Very truly yours, Parts. miles Paul D. Miles Executive Secretary PRELIMINARY VIEWS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA FREQUENCY ALLOCATIONS FOR SPACE RADIOCOMMUNICATION 233 PRELIMINARY VIEWS OF THE U.S. A. FOR FREQUENCY ALLOCATIONS FOR SPACE RADIOCOMMUNICATION 1. INTRODUCTION - Studies of the world trend in telecommunication requirements and the known plans for expansion of existing telecommunication facilities throughout the world have repeatedly indicated that beginning about 1965 the loading of these facilities will approach saturation in many areas. This is particularly true of such facilities as submarine cables and high-frequency radio circuits. With regard to cables, economic factors will govern the mumber of cables which will be installed and the location of the terminals which they will serve. The matter of congestion in the high-frequency spectrum has concerned Members of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) for many years. There is no foreseeable reduction in the use of high frequencies for global communication. On the other hand, expansion of service in the high frequency bands will become increasingly impracticable. Accordingly, it becomes necessary to seek alternative means to satisfy growing telecommunication needs of the peoples of the world, particularly of new or developing countries. These alternative means are needed for growth. Global communication via earth-satellite relays promises to afford such an alternative which will be required beginning about 1965. It is the purpose of this paper to set forth in broad outline certain initial conclusions with regard to frequency allocations for this promising new telecommunication development, and other space radiocommunication needs. 1.1 Since the first demonstration of the practicability of transmitting intelligence from one part of the earth to another by the use of radio waves relayed by artificial satellites, the U.S.A. has been studying the technical parameters which appear to be relevant to eventual frequency allocations for all categories of space radiocommunication, in the context of Recommendation No. 36 of the Ordinary Administrative Radio Conference (OARC), Geneva, 1959. 1.2 1.3 The uses of space radiocommunication may be grouped as follows: f. Srace Research guidance, control and associated communications, including tracking and telemetering. While radio astronomy is not classified by the ITU as a space service, nevertheless, because of its scientific importance, the matter of radio astronomy allocations is under study. 1.4 An operating world-wide communication satellite space service is probably one of the first arees in which a practical use may be made of satellites, involving high-capacity, reliable information exchange |