NSF Warns of SCS Dangers to Radioastronomy

Supplemental coverage from space (SCS) systems using terrestrial mobile spectrum could have "significant impacts" on radioastronomy, according to the National Science Foundation. In a white paper submitted by NTIA and posted Tuesday in docket 23-65, NSF said terrestrial mobile use of that spectrum isn't a problem because of issues like topography. But satellites beaming that spectrum directly into radioastronomy receivers could potentially damage their hardware, NSF said. "Any implementation scenario" is going to cause radioastronomy problems, although coordination and use "of the absolute minimum bandwidths and power levels necessary" could mitigate the harm's severity, it said. NSF recommended that SCS systems be required to follow current power flux density requirements for cellular usage in the National Radio Quiet zone unless there is coordination with NSF to ensure transmissions don't interfere with scheduled observations.