Radio Regulations

Source: the Radio Regulations published by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

1.15

WRC-27 · Agenda item 1.15

to consider studies on frequency-related matters, including possible new or modified space research service (space-to-space) allocations, for future development of communications on the lunar surface and between lunar orbit and the lunar surface, in accordance with Resolution 680 (WRC-23)

Current WP 7B Res. 680 (WRC-23) › 390–406.1 MHz 420–430 MHz 440–450 MHz 2400–2690 MHz 3500–3800 MHz 5150–5570 MHz 5570–5725 MHz 5775–5925 MHz 7190–7235 MHz 8450–8500 MHz 25.25–28.35 GHz

Shared frequency bands

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Bands this agenda item addresses jointly with other WRC-27 items (CPM Report Table 1). Click a band to open its spectrum page.

2483.5–2500 MHz

Also studied under: AI 1.11 AI 1.13

2400–2483.5 MHz 2500–2690 MHz

Also studied under: AI 1.13

7190–7235 MHz

Also studied under: AI 1.7

8450–8500 MHz

Also studied under: AI 1.19

At a glance Summary & background Regulatory Studies

At a glance Beta

Frequency band

390–406.1 MHz 420–430 MHz 440–450 MHz 2400–2690 MHz 3500–3800 MHz 5150–5570 MHz 5570–5725 MHz 5775–5925 MHz 7190–7235 MHz 8450–8500 MHz 25.25–28.35 GHz

Governing resolution

Res. 680 (WRC-23)

Responsible group WP 7B

Agenda-item type Technical

What's being studied — points to watch

Many missions, one framework

Multiple operators will run lunar links at once; a shared allocation and coordination approach prevents mutual interference.

Space-to-space focus

The links are between space stations (surface, orbit, relay), so the study centres on space research in the space-to-space direction.

The shielded zone of the Moon

The SZM (Article 22, Section V) is uniquely radio-quiet and valued for radio astronomy; the 390–450 MHz study ranges are limited to outside it, and protection criteria for the RAS in the SZM are part of the studies (Res. 680).

Earth-based science

Some candidate bands are shared with terrestrial radio astronomy and passive sensing that must stay protected.

Preparation timeline

Dec 2023 WRC-23 agenda adopted

Dec 2023 WRC-23 agenda adopted
Dec 2023 CPM 27-1 studies allocated

Dec 2023 CPM 27-1 studies allocated
ITU-R studies 2026

ITU-R studies 2026
ITU-R studies 2027

ITU-R studies 2027
5–15 Apr 2027 CPM 27-2 final report

5–15 Apr 2027 CPM 27-2 final report
RTO Prep meetings 2027

RTO Prep meetings 2027
11–15 Oct 2027 RA-27

11–15 Oct 2027 RA-27
18 Oct–12 Nov 2027 WRC-27

18 Oct–12 Nov 2027 WRC-27

Dec 2023 WRC-23 agenda adopted
Dec 2023 CPM 27-1 studies allocated
ITU-R studies 2026
ITU-R studies 2027
5–15 Apr 2027 CPM 27-2 final report
RTO Prep meetings 2027
11–15 Oct 2027 RA-27
18 Oct–12 Nov 2027 WRC-27

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Source: ITU Radio Regulations, editions of 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020 and 2024. The English, French and Spanish texts are each taken from the official edition in that language, not translated from one another. Sources and citation.