transmission involves transmission of “signs, signals, writing, images and/or sound of intelligence.” No clear answer can be given. Nevertheless, it might be pointed out that one of the functions of ITU is to coordinate uses of the radio frequency spectrum in order to avoid harmful interference between radio stations and to coordinate efforts to eliminate such interferences. Since a solar power satellite system would use the radio frequency spectrum, it would be contrary to common sense to hold that ITU does not have competence to deal with microwave or laser frequencies for purposes of power transmission. An additional political consideration with respect to the ITU is the role of COPUOS in regulating the geostationary orbit. It is possible to foresee that any initiative on the part of COPUOS to regulate solar power satellites will fail, because of a lack of support on behalf of the major space powers. It is well known that major space powers have denied the competence of COPUOS to regulate the use of the geostationary orbit. The only possibility seems to be that the COPUOS could establish criteria for equitable use of the geostationary orbit according to ITU regulations. The conclusion that emerges with respect to the issue of orbit/frequency allocation for the solar power satellite system is that ITU has competence to deal with such issues. Besides, this conclusion has also been supported by unofficial views of ITU functionaries, especially in the International Frequency Registration Board (IFRB) of 1978, which reviews and records frequencies assignments made by the national administrations. Also, one year later, a 1979 WARC Resolution recommended the same solution. Up to now , the ITU has been entrusted with the responsibility of working out rules and procedures with a view toward maximizing the geostationary orbit and frequency spectrum's efficient utilization and preventing harmful interference. Harmful interference is defined by ITU as “any emission, radiation or induction which endangers the functioning of a radio-navigation service or of other safety services, or seriously degrades, obstructs or repeatedly interrupts a radio-communication service operating in accordance with the Radio Regulations.” The ITU over the years has reiterated the need for the rational and equitable use of the geostationary orbit and the radio frequency spectrum for space services. Nowadays, article 33.2 of the 1982 ITU Convention (modified, but not yet in force, in the Plenipotentiary Conference of Nice, June 1989) states that “in using frequency bands for space radio services. Members shall bear in mind that radio frequencies and the geostationary satellite orbit are limited natural resources, and must be used efficiently and economically, in conformity with the provisions of the Radio Regulations, so that countries or group of countries may have equitable access to both, taking into account the special needs of the developing countries and the geographical situation of particular countries”. So, specifically with respect to the use of the geostationary orbit, provisions have been made in the WARC (79), RARC (83), WARC-ORB(l) 85 and WARC-0RB(2) 88 to reconcile the principle of efficient and economical utilization with the principle of equitable access for all countries. In any case, ITU provisions do not meet the hopes of the less developed countries in the regulation of the use of the geostationary orbit. With respect to a solar power satellite system, in the 1979 ITU WARC, it was decided that solar power transmission would fall into “Industrial, Scientific, Medical and other Applications” service, which includes any use of microwave for purposes other than telecommunications (art.l of ITU Radio Regulations). Nevertheless, it was also decided that solar power satellites as such would not be defined as a new service. Therefore, there are no frequencies bands allocated for power transmission systems. Allocation of a frequency band is defined in article 1 of ITU Radio Regulations as the “entry in the Table of Frequency Allocation of a given frequency band for the purpose of its use by one or more terrestrial or space radio communication services or the radio astronomy service under specified conditions.” This means that if a solar power satellite system provider wants to get access to some frequency bands, those responsible would have to initiate the procedure in front of the IFRB to ensure the avoidance of harmful interference. [Concerning the procedural framework, see WITHERS & WEISS x 1984, pp.282-289]. With power transmission systems, there are basically two options, microwave beams and laser beams. The major advantage of laser beams is that they could be operated in low Earth orbit rather than in the geostationary orbit. However, microwave beams are at present the favored option because of their higher conversion efficiency. For microwave power transmission, the frequency of 2.45 GHz or at least one of the so-called ISM bands, is close to optimum because of its higher transmission efficiency. The problem is that these frequency bands are already allocated to other services and are in great demand. It appears that the only frequencies available for a solar power satellite system are
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