Small Sats Handbook
“The small satellite industry is going through a period of remarkable transformation. This inaugural edition of the ITU-R Handbook on Small Satellites stands as a testament to the triumph of international cooperation amongst accomplished and proficient experts in the field of small satellites and the associated regulations.”
Mario Maniewicz, Director, ITU Radiocommunication Bureau
In this issue
The ITU Handbook on Small Satellites was developed in response to Resolution ITU-R 68 on “Improving the dissemination of knowledge concerning the applicable regulatory procedures for small satellites, including nanosatellites and picosatellites”. This stand-alone Handbook is intended to promote the development of small satellites effectively and better serve the needs of the membership and the entire satellite industry.
ITU New Handbook on Small Satellites
The new Handbook on Small Satellites from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) offers insights and guidance on design, launch and operation in this rapidly advancing segment of the space industry.
The Handbook’s nine chapters and two annexes describe in detail, the key technologies, regulatory elements, and best practices for small satellite deployment.
The new publication aims to:
- Extend international cooperation on small satellite development.
- Promote rational, equitable, and efficient use of radio-frequency spectrum and associated satellite-orbit resources to support global uptake of these technologies.
- Provide detailed regulatory guidance for administrations, operators, and service providers, particularly in the application of the ITU Radio Regulations.
- Support technical assistance in developing countries and markets for small satellite utilization.
- Help administrations and new entrants understand frequency allocation requirements and small satellite descriptions, along with Earth segment characteristics, mission types, space object registration, launch considerations, and space debris mitigation.
- Raise international awareness about key drivers, restraints, challenges, and opportunities.
- Ensure interference-free operations of small satellite systems through regulatory adherence, including continuous, global and regional information sharing.
- Provide a reference tool for small satellite operators and service providers, as well as national regulators.
An electronic copy can be downloaded free of charge from:
