Strategy for Active Remote Sensing Amid Increased Demand for Radio Spectrum

Active remote sensing is the principal tool used to study and to predict short- and long-term changes in the environment of Earth - the atmosphere, the oceans and the land surfaces - as well as the near space environment of Earth. All of these measurements are essential to understanding terrestrial weather, climate change, space weather hazards, and threats from asteroids. Active remote sensing measurements are of inestimable benefit to society, as we pursue the development of a technological civilization that is economically viable, and seek to maintain the quality of our life. A Strategy for Active Remote Sensing Amid Increased Demand for Spectrum describes the threats, both current and future, to the effective use of the electromagnetic spectrum required for active remote sensing. This report offers specific recommendations for protecting and making effective use of the spectrum required for active remote sensing. Table of Contents Front Matter Summary 1 Introduction 2 Active Earth Remote Sensing for Atmospheric Applications 3 Active Earth Remote Sensing for Ocean Applications 4 Active Earth Remote Sensing for Land Surface Applications 5 Active Earth Remote Sensing for Space Physics 6 Planetary Radar Astronomy 7 Spectrum Access: Allocation Policies and the Assignment Process 8 Radio-Frequency Interference Issues for Active Sensing Instruments 9 Technology and the Opportunities for Interference Mitigation Appendixes Appendix A: Statement of Task Appendix B: Committee Meeting and Workshop Agendas Appendix C: Summary of the Radio-Frequency Interference Workshop Appendix D: Acronyms