Study of the ITU Spatial Orbit-Spectrum Resources Allocation and Coordination Rules

The spatial orbit-spectrum resources are limited natural resources that are strategic for China's Compass satellite-navigation system(Beidou), the manned space activities and the moon exploration project. China's use of the resources shall comply with the international rules. International Telecommunication Union is one of the specialized agencies of the United Nations. ITU's mandate is to effect allocation of bands of the radio-frequency spectrum, the allotment of radio frequencies and the registration of radio-frequency assignments and, for space services, of any associated orbital position in the geostationary-satellite orbit or any associated characteristics of satellites in other orbits. This article analyzes the ITU legal framework, explicates the rules for spatial orbit-spectrum allocation, and explains China's application of the ITU regulations.