International Space Station communication systems

The paper discusses the techniques utilized for determining the International Space Station (ISS) radio frequency (RF) systems´ compatibly with other RF systems and with electronic circuits. The ISS is a unique, challenging adventure that requires a large number of RF systems to operate in close proximity within a 70 m sphere. These systems range from items critical to ISS operations, communications, and control to systems monitoring scientific experiments. Considerations include the RF systems of one or more visiting vehicles. Techniques are included to determine compatibility issues of ISS RF systems, other US space operation systems and the systems of the Russian, Japanese, and European space agencies. The technical challenge in planning and maintaining the RF systems´ operations requires several automated software programs for frequency planning and management. These programs utilize EMC techniques to calculate potential interference between RF systems, in addition to the effect the transmitted signals may have on critical electronic circuitry on the ISS. The actual number of ISS RF systems is fluid due to visiting space vehicles and experiments utilizing RF systems. The need for on going analysis is constant.