N_PR_2570_001C_.pdf

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NASA

Procedural Requirements

NPR 2570.1C

Effective Date: September

22, 2014 Expiration Date: September

22, 2026

COMPLIANCE IS MANDATORY FOR NASA EMPLOYEES

NASA Radio Frequency (RF) Spectrum Management Manual (Revalidated w/change1)

Responsible Office: Human Exploration and Operations MD

Table of Contents Preface

Change History P.1 Purpose P.2 Applicability P.3 Authority P.4 Applicable Documents P.5 Measurement/Verification and Forms P.6 Cancellation

Chapter 1 General

1.1 Purpose

1.2 Spectrum Management Policy Guidance

1.3 Regulatory Structure

1.4 NASA Spectrum Management Program Overview

Chapter 2 NASA Spectrum Management Roles and Responsibilities

2.1 Agency-Level Responsibilities

2.2 NASA Mission Directorates and Other Headquarters Offices Responsibilities

2.3 NASA Centers Responsibilities

2.4 Mission/Program/Project Responsibilities

2.5 Host Responsibilities

Chapter 3 RF Allocations and Assignments Process

3.1 General

3.2 Frequency Allocations

3.3 Frequency Assignments

3.4 U.S. Coordination Requirements

3.5 NASA Contractors and Grantees

3.6 Foreign Frequency Assignments

3.7 Conditions of Assignment

3.8 Emergency and Wartime Procedures

Chapter 4 Radio Frequency Interference Procedures

4.1 Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) Reporting Procedures

4.2 RFI Control Procedures

NPR 2570.1C -- TOC

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NPR 2570.1C -- TOC Page 1 of 62

Chapter 5 NASA Long-Range Spectrum Planning

5.1 Background

5.2 Long-Range Planning

Appendix A. Glossary of Commonly Used Terms from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Radio Regulations (RR) Applicable to NASA RF EM Spectrum Management

Appendix B. Acronyms

Appendix C. Document Tree

Appendix D. Spectrum Certification and Value of Spectrum

Appendix E. NASA Spectrum Managers Group (NSMG)

Appendix F. NASA Spectrum Analysis Center Charter

Appendix G. National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Interdepartment Radio Advisory Committee (IRAC) Spectrum Planning Subcommittee (SPS) and Space Systems Subcommittee (SSS)

Appendix H. Call Signs

Appendix I. Terms of Reference of the Space Frequency Coordination Group

(SFCG)

Appendix J. International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Structure

Appendix K. U.S. and ITU Spectrum Interfaces

Appendix L. References

NPR 2570.1C -- TOC

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NPR 2570.1C -- TOC Page 2 of 62

Change History

Change # Date Description

1 4/20/2021 Revalidated directive to comply with revision of NPR 1400. Made administrative and grammar changes.

NPR 2570.1C --

ChangeHistory

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NPR 2570.1C -- ChangeHistory Page 3 of 62

Preface P.1 Purpose

a. These NASA Procedural Requirements (NPR) set forth the requirements for establishing and governing the use of radio frequencies by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

b. NASA Policy Directive (NPD) 1000.3, The NASA Organization, assigns the authority for the management of radio frequencies for NASA to the Associate Administrator (AA) for the Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate (HEOMD) at NASA Headquarters.

c. Comments, suggestions, or questions concerning this NPR should be addressed to the Director, Spectrum Policy and Planning, Space Communications and Navigation Office, Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters, Washington DC 20546.

P.2 Applicability

a. This NPR applies to NASA Headquarters, NASA Centers, including Component Facilities and Technical and Service Support Centers.

b. This language applies to Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC), other contractors, grant recipients, or parties to agreements only to the extent specified or referenced in the appropriate contracts, grants, or agreements.

c. In this NPD, all mandatory actions (i.e., requirements) are denoted by statements containing the term "shall." The terms "may" or "can" denote discretionary privilege or permission, "should" denotes a good practice and is recommended, but not required, "will" denotes expected outcome, and "are or is" denote descriptive material.

d. In this NPD, all document citations are assumed to be the latest version unless otherwise noted.

P.3 Authority

a. National Aeronautics and Space Act, as amended, 51 U.S.C. 20113 (a).

b. NPD 1000.3, The NASA Organization.

c. NPD 2570.5, NASA Electromagnetic Spectrum Management.

P.4 Applicable Documents and Forms

a. Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. § 151 et seq.

b. Communications Satellite Act of 1962, as amended, 47 U.S.C. § 701 et seq.

c. National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act of 1992, 47 U.S.C. § 901 et seq.

d. President's Memorandum: Unleashing the Wireless Broadband Revolution, Daily Comp. Pres. Doc. 2010 DCPD No. 0556, (June 28, 2010) (2010 Executive Memorandum).

e. President's Memorandum: Expanding America's Leadership in Wireless Innovation, Daily Comp. Pres. Doc. 2013 DCPD No. 00421, (June 14, 2013) (2013 Executive Memorandum).

f. EO 12046, Relating to the Transfer of Telecommunications Functions, 3 CFR 158 (1978 Comp.), reprinted in 47 U.S.C. § 305 note.

g. Satellite Communications, 47 CFR pt. 25.

h. Manual of Regulations and Procedures for Federal Radio Frequency Management, (National Telecommunications and Information Administration Manual), 47 CFR pt. 300.

i. Radio Regulations, International Telecommunication Union (ITU), published in Geneva, Switzerland.

j. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular No. A-11 (2012), Section 31.12.

k. NPR 1600.1, NASA Security Program Procedural Requirements

l. NPR 1800.1, NASA Occupational Health Program Procedures.

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NPR 2570.1C -- Preface Page 4 of 62

m. NPR 7123.1, NASA Systems Engineering Processes and Requirements.

n. NASA-ESA Procedures for Coordination of Frequency Use, May 2006.

o. NASA-JAXA Procedures for Coordination of Frequency Use, May 2006.

p. SSP 50423, International Space Station Radio Frequency Coordination Manual.

q. Space Frequency Coordination Group Resolutions and Recommendations (https://www.sfcgonline.org/resources/default.aspx).

r. IEEE C 95.1-2005, IEEE Standard for Safety Levels with Respect to Human Exposure to Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Fields, 3 kHz to 300 GHz.

s. ICNIRP Guidelines for Limiting Exposure to Time-Varying Electric, Magnetic, and Electromagnetic Fields (up to 300 GHz).

P.5 Measurement/Verification

a. In order to determine if the Centers, Mission Directorates, and Agency programs and projects are following the content and process requirements of this NPR that are applicable to their activities, compliance will be evaluated through the following:

(1) All RF-related procurements (radio-based communications systems, wireless systems, which include: LAN, WAP, WiFi, Bluetooth, walkie-talkies, wireless microphones; active or passive remote-sensing systems; all systems employing satellite (space) communication or transmission/receiving systems; and any associated Earth-station sites and facilities) should be made with the approval of the applicable Center/Facility Spectrum Manager (SM) and are in compliance with NASA and Federal regulatory policies.

(2) NASA does not cause EM interference at NASA Centers and JPL (an FFRDC) or in the environment surrounding NASA Centers and JPL (an FFRDC).

(3) All NASA frequency assignment actions are accurate and completed in time to meet mission requirements.

(4) All Government frequency assignment actions are reviewed for their impact on NASA's ability to carry out its missions.

(5) Complete required five and ten-year frequency assignment reviews in a timely manner.

(6) All NASA system certification requests are accurate and processed through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Interdepartment Radio Advisory Committee (IRAC) Spectrum Planning Subcommittee in time to meet mission requirements.

(7) All non-NASA Government systems certification requests by the IRAC Spectrum Planning Subcommittee are reviewed for their impact on NASA's ability to carry out its missions.

(8) All NASA systems international registrations are accurate and processed through the IRAC Space Systems Subcommittee in time to meet mission requirements.

(9) All non-NASA international systems considered by the IRAC Space Systems Subcommittee are reviewed for their impact on NASA's ability to carry out its missions.

(10) All NASA RF assignments have been reviewed by their respective Center/Facility Spectrum Manager and the Director of Spectrum Policy and Planning (or his designate) to determine if they should be exempt from the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) 5 U.S.C. § 552, due to their sensitivity or mission essential nature and, so marked, if necessary.

(11) All Center/Facility long-term spectrum requirements are reported to the NASA Headquarters Spectrum Management Office.

P.6 Cancellation NPR 2570.1B, NASA Radio Frequency (RF) Spectrum Management Manual, dated December 5, 2008.â??

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NPR 2570.1C -- Preface Page 5 of 62

Chapter 1: General

1.1 Purpose

This NPR provides guidance in the identification and use of radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic (EM) spectrum for Agency communications links and remote-sensing purposes. The NPR addresses radio frequency interference procedures and defines requirements for the support of future NASA programs with long-lead-time spectrum management initiatives. NASA personnel responsibilities are defined in Chapter 2. 1

1 For the purpose of this NPR, the RF EM spectrum is defined as the set of radio frequencies below 3000 GHz. Also several terms have specific, technical connotations. A glossary of these terms is provided in Appendix A.

1.2 Spectrum Management Policy Guidance

1.2.1 The U.S. policy, with regard to the use of properly authorized frequency bands, is stated in 47 U.S.C. 151 § et seq., as amended and 47 U.S.C. § 901 et seq. In addition to these Acts, the 47 U.S.C. § 701 et seq, as amended, is applicable for satellite systems. NASA has derived policies from the U.S. policy which is to be adhered to by all Agency spectrum users as given in NASA Policy Directive (NPD) 2570.5, and the document hierarchy is outlined in Appendix C.

1.2.2 All RF spectrum usage by NASA programs and projects will be pursuant to specific assignments approved by the NASA Spectrum Manager and the Associate Administrator for HEOMD, under the conditions specified in this NPR Chapter 3, Section 3.7.

1.2.3 All missions, programs, projects, and other activities, requiring use of the EM spectrum, need to consider their spectrum requirements at each review in a project's life cycle and to submit requests for spectrum certification as early in the acquisition and procurement cycles as possible to ensure that missions receive the necessary authorizations and certifications to operate.

1.2.4 Funds cannot be obligated for formal engineering (as determined by the Center Director), development and testing, or procurement of operational EM-radiating or receiving devices until spectrum certifications have been approved by the NTIA and the approval is provided to the appropriate program, project office, and the Center/Facility

SM.

1.2.5 Requests for spectrum certification for the development or procurement of major communications-electronics systems need to include cost estimates and economic alternatives when submitted to NTIA in accordance with national policy ((OMB) Circular A-11) (see Appendix D).

1.2.6 NASA mission requirements will be met by using the EM spectrum as efficiently as practical, which may be by the design, the use of advanced spectrum-efficient technologies (e.g., software-defined radios, cognitive radios, smart antennas) or advanced modulation and coding techniques.

1.2.7 All missions, programs, projects, and other activities will use frequency bands that are properly allocated for their intended use. Use of other frequencies will only be granted on a case by case basis.

1.2.8 All spacecraft will be able to remotely or directly cease EM emissions. A spacecraft that has an automatic capability to cease transmissions may be granted a waiver of this requirement.

1.2.9 No NASA space missions will be allowed to transmit in exclusive passive radio frequency (RF) bands allocated, either nationally or internationally, to the radio astronomy service, the Earth exploration- satellite service (passive), or the space research service (passive).

l.2.10 The Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) SM, working with the respective mission Center's SM, is responsible for frequency selection for NASA missions requiring use of 2025-2110 MHz or 2200-2290 MHz.

1.2.11 The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), a Federally Funded Research and Development Center, SM, in working with the respective mission Center's SM, is responsible for the frequency selection for NASA and Space Frequency Coordination Group members' deep space missions.

1.2.12 The Johnson Space Center SM, working with the applicable Center's SM for NASA network support, is responsible for the frequency selection and protection requirements for all NASA human spaceflight activities.

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NPR 2570.1C -- Chapter1 Page 6 of 62

1.3 Regulatory Structure

1.3.1 Within the United States and its Possessions, the RF EM spectrum is further allocated to non-Federal and Federal users. The FCC is responsible for the allocation and assignment of frequencies to non-Federal users (see http://www.fcc.gov), and the NTIA is responsible for the allocation and assignment of frequencies to departments and agencies of the U.S. Government (see http://www.ntia.doc.gov). The NTIA performs its functions through the assistance of the Interdepartment Radio Advisory Committee (IRAC) 2 that is also responsible for maintaining the National Table of Frequency Allocations (see Figure 1-1). 3 Coordination between non-Federal and Federal users of the RF EM spectrum is accomplished through correspondence and, if necessary, joint meetings of the FCC and the

NTIA.

2 The IRAC has been in session continuously since 1922; NASA has been an active member since 1958.

3 See Chapter 4 of Manual of Regulations and Procedures for Federal Radio Frequency Management. (NTIA Manual).

1.3.2 The Department of State is responsible for coordinating United States participation in international fora where spectrum management issues are addressed.

1.3.3 Internationally, the RF EM spectrum is allocated by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) (see http://www.itu.int/) to various classes of service according to different regions of the world (see Figure 1-2).

Figure 1-1 United States (US) National Spectrum Management Structure 4

4 The IRAC member agencies are: Department of Agriculture, Department of the Air Force. Department of the Army, Broadcasting Board of Governors, U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Commerce, Department of Energy, Federal Aviation Administration, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Justice, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, National Science Foundation, Department of the Navy, Department of State, Department of Transportation, Department of the Treasury, U.S. Postal Service, Department of Veterans Affairs, FCC Liaison.

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NPR 2570.1C -- Chapter1 Page 7 of 62

1-2 Geographic Regions for Frequency Allocation of the Spectrum

1.4 NASA Spectrum Management Program Overview

The mission of the NASA Spectrum Management Program, as directed by NASA Policy Directive (NPD) 2570.5, is to ensure that sufficient high-quality radio frequency EM spectrum is available in a timely manner to enable the success of NASA's missions. The Spectrum Management Program ensures that all NASA activities comply with national and international rules and regulations applicable to the use of the electromagnetic spectrum and facilitates securing spectrum and orbital resources (both domestically and internationally) needed to enable aeronautical and space mission requirements. The Spectrum Management Program supports the vital work of all NASA Mission Directorates.

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NPR 2570.1C -- Chapter1 Page 8 of 62

Chapter 2: NASA Spectrum Management Program Roles and Responsibilities

2.1 Agency-Level Responsibilities

2.1.1 The Associate Administrator (AA) for Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate (HEOMD) is designated as the NASA Spectrum Manager and shall:

a. Publish the NASA Procedural Requirements (NPR) 2570.1, NASA Radio Frequency Spectrum Management Manual.

b. Ensure that all NASA activities comply with national and international rules and regulations applicable to the use of the EM spectrum as stated in the NTIA Manual of Regulations and Procedures for Federal Radio Frequency Management and the ITU Radio Regulations.

c. Ensure adequate NASA representation in international and national organizations and forums concerned with EM spectrum regulation and utilization.

d. Ensure adequate EM spectrum is available to support all Agency programs including NASA-sponsored commercial space programs.

2.1.2 The Deputy Associate Administrator (DAA) for Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) shall be responsible for:

a. The overall planning, policy, and administration of the NASA Spectrum Management Program.

b. Chairing the SCaN Board of Directors (BoD) meetings which will be used as a forum for addressing program and policy-level spectrum issues. The NASA Headquarters offices and responsibilities in support of the BoD are identified in Section 2.2.

c. Appointing a Director of Spectrum Policy and Planning.

2.1.3 The Director of Spectrum Policy and Planning will be responsible for the Agency's programmatic implementation of policies and applicable procedures authorized by this NPR and the overall efficacy of the program.

The Director has overall national and international spectrum policy and planning responsibility, as well as responsibility for planning of long-term national and international spectrum management initiatives aimed at improving the spectrum management environment within which NASA must operate. The Director of Spectrum Policy and Planning shall:

a. Designate a Deputy Director to act in his/her absence and assist in normal duties as required.

b. Designate an International Spectrum Program Manager and a National Spectrum Program Manager to fulfill the Agency's spectrum management responsibilities in accordance with this NPR.

c. Designate a NASA representative to the Interdepartment Radio Advisory Committee (IRAC) and representatives to the various IRAC subcommittees. When necessary; will also provide a nomination to the State Department for the chair of U.S. ITU-R Study Group 7 (Science Services).

2.1.4 The International Spectrum Program Manager shall carry out, under the direction of the Director of Spectrum Policy and Planning, the international spectrum management responsibilities assigned to the DAA SCaN, which are the EM spectrum activities involving entities external to the U.S., including the ITU, other non-NASA civilian space agencies (e.g., European Space Agency, Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency, the Space Frequency Coordination Group (SFCG), and other entities external to the U.S. involved in the management of the EM spectrum.

2.1.5 The National Spectrum Program Manager shall:

a. Carry out, under the direction of the Director of Spectrum Policy and Planning, the domestic spectrum management responsibilities assigned to the DAA SCaN, which are the EM spectrum activities involving entities internal to the U.S., including the NTIA, the Federal Communications Commission, and other national entities involved in the management or regulation of the EM spectrum.

b. Ensure, in consultation with the applicable Center/Facility Spectrum Management Offices, that all frequency assignments are carefully reviewed as directed by the Director of Spectrum Policy and Planning or his/her designee, to determine if they should fall under the Sensitive But Unclassified (SBU) Category and/or should be the 5 U.S.C. § 552 exempt in accordance with NPR 1600.1, NASA Security Program Procedural Requirements.

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NPR 2570.1C -- Chapter2 Page 9 of 62

c. Ensure, in consultation with the International Spectrum Program Manager, that the Spectrum Management Implementation Plan, five-year Plan, and Long-Range Plan are reviewed and updated annually, if necessary, and cooperate in assisting the NTIA in its Federal Spectrum Strategic Plan effort.

d. Identify any programs at risk due to possible lack of spectrum allocations or the non-sustainability of these allocations because of commercial encroachment and/or possible electromagnetic interference (EMI) conflicts.

e. Chair the NASA Spectrum Managers Group (see Appendix E).

Note: Descriptions of the spectrum management structures for the ITU and interfaces between the U.S.

national spectrum management structure and the ITU are contained in Appendices C and D.

2.1.6 The Director of the Spectrum Analysis Center shall oversee and manage activities within the Spectrum Analysis Center for the purpose of providing a centralized review process of Agency spectrum analyses and to perform selected technical analyses in consultation with the Director of Spectrum Policy and Planning and the NASA National and International Spectrum Managers. He or she will also coordinate with NASA Centers, as well as international and national organizations external to the Agency (e.g. NTIA, FCC, DoD, ITU, SFCG), in conducting both U.S. domestic and international spectrum analyses to advance the spectrum objectives of the Agency. The specific roles and responsibilities of the Spectrum Analysis Center are contained in the charter in Appendix F.

Note: The structure of the NASA Spectrum Management Program is shown in Figure 2-1. NASA and its relationship to the national spectrum management structure are presented in Figure 2-2.

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NPR 2570.1C -- Chapter2 Page 10 of 62

2-1 NASA Spectrum Management Program

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2-2 NASA/National Spectrum Management Structure

2.2 NASA Mission Directorates and Other Headquarters Offices Responsibilities

2.2.1 NASA Mission Directorates and other relevant Headquarters Offices shall each appoint a spectrum liaison who will coordinate the spectrum-related activities and requirements within their Directorate or office; provide those spectrum requirements to the Director of Spectrum Policy and Planning or designee; and provide support and representation to the SCaN Board of Directors meetings, as necessary, for addressing senior spectrum issues.

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NPR 2570.1C -- Chapter2 Page 12 of 62

2.2.2 For future Agency missions, each NASA Mission Directorate, through the SCaN Board of Directors, shall provide the latest conceptual spectrum requirements (communications, remote sensing, and any others) and an economic analysis 5 justifying the need for the specific frequency and bandwidth, as required by OMB Circular A-11, Section 31.12, to the Director of Spectrum Policy and Planning with respect to programs and future missions. This economic analysis will be completed and each system certified by the NTIA before funding can be provided. NTIA may also review these analyses during the certification process.

5 Subject to revision by the NTIA, an economic analysis for purposes of spectrum system certification is a statement that the value of the relevant spectrum was considered. It should indicate whether the system procured was the most spectrum "efficient" solution among the solutions considered in meeting specified mission/operational requirements.

2.2.3 Under 51 U.S.C. 20113(a), NASA has the responsibility to seek and encourage, to the maximum extent possible, the fullest commercial use of space. To the extent NASA technology programs are involved in supporting the U.S. commercial communications satellite industry and to the extent necessary to ensure adequate spectrum support for these programs, the National Spectrum Program Manager provides adequate coordination and representation to work with the FCC.

2.3 NASA Center Responsibilities

2.3.1 The Center Directors and the JPL (an FFRDC) Director shall:

a. Ensure that all Center/Facility long-term spectrum requirements are reported annually to the Director of Spectrum Policy and Planning.

b. Ensure that all missions, projects, and other activities requiring use of the EM spectrum submit to the Center/Facility SM a request for spectrum certification, which will be submitted to the NTIA, through NASA Headquarters, as early in the procurement cycle as possible.

c. Ensure the EM integrity of the property on which the Center or JPL (an FFRDC) and its Component Facilities are located, including protecting the property from EM interference.

d. Implement the policies, applicable procedures, and spectrum management functions at the Center or JPL (an FFRDC) and Component Facilities in accordance with this NPR and NASA Headquarters Procurement policies. The policies will ensure that spectrum-dependent missions, programs, or activities will not receive funding without approval from the Center SM. A waiver of this requirement may be granted by the DAA SCaN through the applicable Center SM and Director of Spectrum Policy and Planning.

e. Ensure that all RF-related contracts, grants, or agreements (radio-based communications systems, wireless systems, which include: LAN, WAP, WiFi, Bluetooth, walkie-talkies, wireless microphones; active or passive remote-sensing systems; all systems employing satellite (space) techniques; and any associated Earth-station sites and facilities) are made with the approval of the applicable Center/Facility SM and are in compliance with NASA and Federal regulations and policies.

f. Designate a civil servant or JPL (an FFRDC) employee as Center/Facility SM to perform the spectrum management function.

g. Designate a civil servant or JPL (an FFRDC) employee as alternate Center/Facility SM to assist and provide backup to the primary Center SM.

h. Ensure continuity of Center/Facility Spectrum Management by developing and maintaining a plan for Center/Facility SM succession. This succession plan will be submitted annually to the Director of Spectrum Policy and Planning.

i. Provide the funding required to fulfill the Center/Facility's spectrum management responsibilities in accordance with this policy.

j. Ensure that communication outside of NASA on spectrum-related matters has been coordinated and approved by the Director of Spectrum Policy and Planning or designee.

2.3.2 The GSFC SM shall assist other Center/Facility SMs in investigating incidences of RF interference that may occur in the 2025-2110 MHz and 2200-2290 MHz bands. GSFC will consult with JSC and JPL (an FFRDC) for protection requirements of human spaceflight and the Deep Space network (DSN), respectively.

2.3.3 All Center/Facility Spectrum Managers, JPL (an FFRDC) Spectrum Manager, and their alternates shall:

a. Coordinate frequency use for NASA missions, programs, and projects at their respective Center/Facility.

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b. Function as the interface between its Center/Facility missions and the other Center/Facility SMs.

c. Ensure that all missions, projects, and other activities, requiring use of the EM spectrum, submit a request for spectrum certification, which is submitted to the NTIA, through NASA Headquarters, as early in the acquisition and procurement cycles as possible, as well as ensuring that any required economic cost/benefit analysis is completed and submitted with requests for frequency certification.

d. Ensure that these submissions are compliant with domestic (NTIA Manual) and international (ITU Radio Regulations) regulations, as well as SFCG recommendations, and provide guidance on the selection of properly allocated frequency bands to fulfill mission requirements. A waiver of this requirement may be granted by the Director of Spectrum Policy and Planning, through the applicable Center SM.

e. Obtain Radio Frequency Authorizations (RFAs) in the Government Master File (GMF) for all transmitters (including active remote sensing or communications use whether spaceborne or otherwise).

f. Obtain RFAs in the GMF for all receivers or radiometers for passive sensing or communications use whether spaceborne or otherwise. Such authorization will also take place for individual NASA-owned and/or operated instruments located in or on platforms owned by other U.S. Government agencies or foreign entities.

g. Ensure that all RF equipment belonging to other Government agencies and operating at NASA facilities or onboard NASA vehicles operated by the Center/Facility has received proper authorization to operate. The responsibility for obtaining that authorization is not necessarily the responsibility of the Center/Facility Spectrum Manager.

h. Review any non-NASA systems which are identified within domestic or international system filing and coordination processes for potentially causing interference to the Center operations and provide comments as required.

i. Ensure Centers/facilities adhere to the NTIA channel plan for the Very High and Ultra High Frequency land mobile radio bands.

j. Ensure that all NASA Center/Facility spacecraft requirements for use of the S-Band (2025 - 2110 MHz and 2200 - 2290 MHz) are provided to the National Spectrum Program Manager and the GSFC SM for their review and approval.

k. Ensure that permanent assignments are promptly renewed or deleted from the GMF at the time of their RFA 5-year review.

l. Maintain accurate records 6 of all frequency assignments in use by the Center and JPL (an FFRDC).

6 The Manual in NPR 1441.1, NASA Records Retention Schedules, should be followed to maintain and safeguard these records. Records such as documents and reports can only be disposed of based on the retention periods in NPR 1441.1. If an item is not described in NPR 1441.1, contact your Center Records Manager for assistance.

m. Maintain the electromagnetic integrity of the site and its flight missions through proper selection of RF equipment frequencies and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing.

n. Ensure day-to-day interference-free operations at the site and by its flight missions.

o. Identify communication and other RF EM spectrum requirements such as active and passive remote sensing requirements or future missions proposed by the site and report as early as possible to the National Spectrum Program Manager for inclusion in NASA long-range spectrum forecasts.

p. Prepare technical analyses required to support spectrum applications for site projects.

q. Participate in local, national, and international spectrum management coordination groups to provide representation and cognizance of the Center/Facility's project requirements.

r. Coordinate the development and maintenance of Center/JPL (an FFRDC) instructions for spectrum management with the National Spectrum Program Manager to ensure wide program consistency.

s. Serve as the representative for the Director of Spectrum Policy and Planning to the NASA programs/projects at their Centers and JPL (an FFRDC) and participate as a member of the NASA Spectrum Managers Group.

t. Coordinate with the local Center/Facility Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) and/or Non-Ionizing Radiation Safety Officer to ensure that RF and electromagnetic field emissions conform to the latest requirements of IEEE C95.1, Standard for Safety Levels with Respect to Human Exposure to Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Fields 3 kHz to

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300 GHz and the ICNIRP Electromagnetic Field Standard, 1 Hz to 300 GHz.

u. Coordinate RF EM spectrum requirements with the NASA Center Safety and Mission Assurance Office or NASA Center Office with responsibility for RF safety. Based on the particular Center mission responsibilities, RF emissions will be coordinated with other operations such as range safety, flight operations, operation safety, explosive safety, and propellant handlers.

v. Represent respective Center or JPL (an FFRDC) at the NASA Spectrum Managers Group (NSMG) meeting, which meets at least annually to review issues pertinent to all Centers and JPL (an FFRDC) (see Appendix E).

w. Coordinate FOIA-related matters with the National Spectrum Program Manager to ensure consistency with Agency-level positions.

2.4 Mission/Program/Project Responsibilities

2.4.1 Each mission, program, project, and other activity with RF EM spectrum requirements at a NASA Center 7 has the following responsibilities:

7 For purposes of this and subsequent sections within the document, Center also applies to JPL (an FFRDC).

a. to discuss spectrum considerations at each review in the project life cycle.

b. to receive approval from the responsible Center Spectrum Manager that program/project spectrum goals and progress are being achieved and all applicable spectrum regulatory requirements are satisfied at the entrance and success criteria in all life-cycle and technical reviews.

2.4.2 The specific spectrum criteria for the life-cycle reviews (as provided in NPR 7123.1, NASA Systems Engineering Processes and Requirements) are defined in Table 2.1 and illustrated in Figure 2-3.

Table 2.1: Spectrum Requirements for Program/Project Reviews

Phase/Review Entrance Criteria Success Criteria Pre-Phase A Notify Center Spectrum Manager of

EM spectrum use concept

Mission Concept Review (MCR)

Preliminary assessment of EM spectrum (radio frequency) requirements

Concurrence by the responsible Center Spectrum Manager that EM spectrum needs have been properly identified and addressed

System Requirements Review (SRR)

EM spectrum needs have been addressed including preparing requisite data for the responsible Center Spectrum Manager for possible Stage 1 Certification.

Concurrence by the responsible Center Spectrum Manager that the program/project has provided requisite EM spectrum system data.

System/Mission Definition Review

(SDR)

EM spectrum considerations addressed

Concurrence by the responsible Center Spectrum Manager that spectrum considerations have been addressed

Preliminary Design Review (PDR)

Design details and requisite data have been submitted to Center/Facility Spectrum Manager for preparation of request for certification of Stage 2 spectrum support by at least 60 days prior to PDR

Concurrence by the responsible Center Spectrum Manager that the program/project has provided requisite EM spectrum system data

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NPR 2570.1C -- Chapter2 Page 15 of 62

Critical Design Review (CDR)

- Received Stage 2 (Experimental) system certification signed by NTIA

- Provide measured/as designed parameter updates to Center/Facility Spectrum Manager for request for certification of Stage 4 (Operational) spectrum support no later than 60 days prior to CDR

Concurrence by the responsible Center Spectrum Manager that the program/project has provided requisite EM spectrum system data

Production Readiness Review

(PRR)

EM spectrum considerations have been addressed

Concurrence by the responsible Center Spectrum Manager that program complies with spectrum policy and regulation

System Integration Review (SIR)

NA NA

Test Readiness Review (TRR)

EM spectrum considerations have been addressed

Concurrence by the responsible Center Spectrum Manager that all tests are performed in accordance with spectrum policy and regulation

System Acceptance Review (SAR)

Received Stage 4 (Operational) system certification signed by NTIA

Concurrence by the responsible Center Spectrum Manager that the Stage 4 (Operational) system certification has been obtained and the system is compliant with spectrum policy and regulation

Operational Readiness Review

(ORR)

- Received Stage 4 (Operational) system certification signed by NTIA

- All requisite radio frequency authorizations are in place

Concurrence by the responsible Center Spectrum Manager that all necessary spectrum certification(s) and authorization(s) have been obtained

Flight Readiness Review (FRR)

- Received Stage 4 (Operational) system certification signed by NTIA

- All requisite radio frequency authorizations are in place

Concurrence by the responsible Center Spectrum Manager that all necessary spectrum certification(s) and authorization(s) have been obtained

Post-Launch Assessment Review

(PLAR)

Concurrence by the responsible Center Spectrum Manager that the system is compliant with spectrum policy and regulation

Critical Event Readiness Review

(CERR)

Critical event/activity requirements and constraints have been identified, including spectrum considerations

Concurrence by the responsible Center Spectrum Manager that the system is compliant with spectrum policy and regulation

Post-Flight Assessment Review

(PFAR)

Problem reports, corrective action requests, and post-flight anomaly records are completed. Include Spectrum (radio frequency) interference or other related factors during assessment

Notify the responsible Center Spectrum Manager

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NPR 2570.1C -- Chapter2 Page 16 of 62

Decommissioning Review (DR)

Notify the responsible Center Spectrum Manager

Disposal Readiness Review (DRR)

Notify the responsible Center Spectrum Manager

2-3: Spectrum Requirements Overlay on NASA Program/Project Life-Cycle Process

2.5 Host Responsibilities

2.5.1 Each program or project hosting equipment, experiments, and/or payloads with RF requirements at a NASA Center (i.e., NASA provides the platform, but does not control/own the RF equipment -- transmitters/receivers) has the following responsibilities:

a. Feasibility/Conceptual phase

(1) Inform the RF equipment/experiment/payload owner (i.e. customer) that spectrum certification and RF authorization/license to operate the equipment is their responsibility. An approved RF license (experimental or operational, depending on the use and scenarios) is a prerequisite for flight manifest.

(2) Notify Center Spectrum Manager of the new RF equipment use concept.

(3) Request, from customer, a copy of RF license for each RF transmitter and submit to Center Spectrum Manager for review and approval for flight use.

(a) Aircraft platforms: no later than eight weeks prior to first flight

(b) Space platforms: no later than System Requirements Review (SRR)

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NPR 2570.1C -- Chapter2 Page 17 of 62

b. Prior to First Flight

(1) Customer will provide approved RF license(s) to program for final validation by the Center Spectrum Manager.

(2) Failure to provide approved RF license(s) will result in delay of first flight.

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NPR 2570.1C -- Chapter2 Page 18 of 62

Chapter 3 RF Allocation and Assignment Process and Procedures

3.1 General

3.1.1 All RF EM spectrum usage by NASA programs, projects, and infrastructure will be pursuant to specific assignments approved by the NASA Spectrum Manager, the AA for HEOMD, or his/her designee under the conditions specified in Section 1.2.

3.1.2 NASA has adopted procedures for requesting frequency assignments and obtaining new frequency allocations in order to effectively implement national and international spectrum management policy. These procedures allow for a thorough coordinated process from identification of Agency program/project needs to national and international recognition of actual frequency band usage.

3.1.3 For the purpose of this NPR, the terms frequency allotment, frequency allocation, and frequency assignment use the definitions adopted from the ITU Radio Regulations (RR) (See Appendix A.)

3.1.4 The frequency assignment process outlined in Figure 3-1 is initiated at the user NASA Center/Facility and results in the issuance by NTIA of a Radio Frequency Authorization (RFA) or Special Temporary Authorization (STA).

3.1.5 If the use is not for a major terrestrial program nor for frequencies to be used for transmissions to and from space, the frequency assignment process is fairly simple as described in paragraph 3.3.b (2).

3.1.6 However, for major new programs or for programs involving spacecraft, NTIA has established a systems review process, for the purpose of certification of spectrum support, by which that use is coordinated within the United States and internationally. This process is described in Appendix G.

3.1.7 The Center/Facility SM shall apprise the contractor(s)/grantee(s) of the need for ensuring that radio frequency support appears feasible for NASA-funded studies or Federal-funded equipment procurements by non-Federal interests, where the use of radio frequencies is foreseen as a result of the study or procurement, Section 3.5 provides additional information.

3.2 Frequency Allocations

3.2.1 In almost all cases, identification of RF EM spectrum support for NASA needs is focused on frequency bands currently allocated nationally and internationally for the particular radio service for which the Agency requires support. This includes both terrestrial use (e.g. fixed, mobile, radiolocation, radionavigation and other terrestrial radio service allocations) and space use (e.g., space research service allocations that support the U.S. space programs). However, in some cases, it may be necessary to move Agency operations elsewhere in the RF EM spectrum where appropriate allocations do not currently exist, particularly as new scientific, technological, and commercial requirements emerge and bands in the existing RF allocations become congested. As shown in Figure 3-1, the identification of the need for a new allocation may be made by reference to the Table

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NPR 2570.1C -- Chapter3 Page 19 of 62 of Frequency Allocations or as a result of the systems review process, which includes a study of current frequency band occupancy.

3.2.2 In cases where new frequency allocations are deemed necessary, it is imperative that very long-lead-times (i.e., ten years or longer) be allowed for the national and international processes which are required for new allocations. World Radio Conferences (WRCs) review, and if necessary, revise the Radio Regulations. WRCs meet on a periodic basis (i.e., normally every three-four years).

It is essential that NASA is prepared to identify new requirements well in advance of these conferences so that supporting technical and regulatory information can be prepared and presented.

Figure 3-1 Frequency Authorization Process

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NPR 2570.1C -- Chapter3 Page 20 of 62

3.3 Frequency Assignment Process

3.3.1 General

a. Specific procedures by which Agency users may be authorized to operate on a particular frequency depend upon the following factors:

(1) Availability of frequency allocation.

(2) System is terrestrial or spaceborne.

(3) System is considered a major telecommunications system, e.g., high investment.

(4) Duration of the system's operation.

Note: Using OMB regulations, the Center/Facility Spectrum Manager is responsible to ensure that the project completes and submits an economic cost/benefit analysis for each new frequency required. This analysis is done once for NTIA Spectrum Planning Subcommittee (SPS) Stage 2 certification (or at Stage 3 certification, if applicable).

3.3.2 Process for Frequency Selection

a. The process for frequency selection prior to design commitment is outlined below and in Figure 3.2.

(1) Project Commitment (Funding Approved) - Providing project commitment information is key to the successful coordination of design decisions involving the selection of frequencies for systems.

An economic analysis justifying the need for the specific frequency and bandwidth is required by OMB Circular A-11. The project/program office has the responsibility to submit this analysis to NTIA SPS during system certification.

(2) Initial Frequency Coordination Guidance - Due to the increasing complexity and usage of the RF spectrum, the availability/cost 8 of spectrum may actually drive the design requirements for future NASA missions. Each Center has a designated Radio Frequency Spectrum Manager who is responsible for obtaining, maintaining, and retiring the RFA for programs, projects, and infrastructure at the Center; and for preventing or mitigating radio frequency interference at the Center or to the Center's programs, projects, and infrastructure. The Center Radio Frequency Spectrum Manager provides guidance on the selection of properly allocated frequency bands to fulfill mission requirements.