Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) Observed Over Water Surfaces at 18.6–18.8 GHz and the IEEE GRSS Involvement with ITU-R to Address this Issue

The 18.6-18.8 GHz band is utilized extensively for scientific uses. Passive microwave measurements in this frequency range are critical for weather forecasting and studies of climate and environmental impacts. This band, however, is shared with commercial communication systems that operate under the Fixed Satellite Service (FSS). FSS communication is used mostly for satellite TV broadcasting, and by a small number of Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) systems. The Radio Regulations of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) limit the level of FSS transmitted powers in order to avoid interference to passive sensors that operate under the Earth Exploration Satellite Service (EESS). However, Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) affecting spaceborne microwave radiometers such as WindSat, AMSR2 and GPM-GMI at 18 GHZ has been observed and documented for several years since 2010. Calculations considering sea surface reflection show that the observed RFI is consistent with or higher than what could be expected even from the limited level of transmitted power from the FSS. The IEEE Geoscience and Remote Sensing Society (GRSS) has brought this problem to the attention of the ITU Radiocommunication Sector (ITU-R) Study Groups, in view of impending decisions that could potentially dramatically increase the use of this band by commercial operators. The contributions by IEEE GRSS to ITU-R will be presented and various issues involved will be discussed.