A strategy for active remote sensing amid increased demand for spectrum

Scientific users of the radio spectrum (such as earth scientists using remotely sensed data and radar astronomers) have an important stake in spectrum policy. To support the U.S. presidential initiative for Spectrum Management for the 21st Century, a presentation of current uses and future needs of scientific users of the spectrum was organized by the National Academy of Sciences. A committee of 16 experts in Earth remote sensing, ionospheric sensing, radar astronomy, and public policy met 4 times over one year to produce a report with consensus findings and recommendations.