Radio regulatory aspects of highly elliptical orbit satellites

The ITU is responsible for the international radio regulations that lay down agreed conditions for the operation of all radio services. Much interest has recently been focused on the use of highly elliptical orbits for the land mobile satellite service (LMSS) and satellite sound broadcasting. The case of such satellites falls under the general classification of nongeostationary satellite which in turn comes under the space radiocommunication service. The paper examines the provisions of the radio regulations governing the implementation of a satellite service from a highly elliptical orbit and the criteria used for frequency coordination with other satellite systems, in general, and with terrestrial services. It is of interest to note that the Molniya satellites of the USSR have been internationally agreed and in operation since 1965