18 GHz Band Report

The NTIA, NASA, and Department of Defense completed a study on the 18.1–18.6 GHz spectrum to support growing needs for space-to-space communications. This work follows the 2023 World Radiocommunication Conference, which approved intersatellite service allocations to strengthen future missions and commercial collaboration. The report recommends FCC action to update frequency tables, protect existing systems, and create rules enabling NASA and others to leverage commercial services for critical space relay functions. These steps will help ensure the U.S. stays at the forefront of secure, efficient space communications.