**KSC Radio Frequency Spectrum**

**Management Handbook**

**Responsible Office:** \*Director of Spaceport Services

[PREFACE]{.underline}

This Handbook describes the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) radio frequency
spectrum management program including responsibilities, radio frequency
authorization procedures, and radio frequency interference reporting
procedures. These provisions apply to all organizational and user
elements under the jurisdiction or direction of NASA at Kennedy Space
Center, the \*Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Patrick Air Force Base,
and other offsite locations.

This Handbook supersedes KHB 2570.1B.

> J. C. Fairey
>
> Director of Spaceport Services

[Distribution]{.underline}:

Tech Doc Library

[TABLE OF CONTENTS]{.underline}

PREFACE i/ii

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION TITLE PAGE

1 General Description 1-1

Purpose 1-1

Applicability 1-1

Authority 1-1

Policy 1-1

2 Definitions 2-1

3 Responsibilities

KSC Spectrum Manager 3-1

Heads of Primary Organizations 3-1

\* Director of Spaceport Services 3-2

\* Director of Expendable Launch Vehicles and

> Payload Carries 3-3

Contracting Officers 3-3

4 Administrative Provisions for Radio

Frequency Spectrum Management 4-1

Radio Frequency Authorization 4-1

Radio Frequency Authorization Requests 4-1

Procurement Authorization 4-1

Use of FCC Licensed Devices 4-2

Use of Nonlicensed Devices 4-3

KSC Spectrum Management Web Site 4-4

5 Reporting Radio Frequency Interference 5-1

iii

REFERENCES

1\. KHB 1860.1 (as revised), "KSC Nonionizing Radiation Protection
Program"

\*2. KDP-KSC-P-1651, "Overview of KSC Procurement System"

\*3. KDP-KSC-P-1652, "Purchase Card Acquisitions by Non-Contracting
Personnel"

4\. National Telecommunications and Information Administration, U.S.
Department of Commerce, "Manual of Regulations and Procedures for
Federal Radio Frequency Management"

5\. NPD 2570.5 (as revised), "Radio Frequency Spectrum Management"

6\. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular No. A-11, Section
34.1.

iv

SECTION 1: [GENERAL DESCRIPTION]{.underline}

1.  Purpose: This Handbook implements the requirements of

NPD 2570.5, "Radio Frequency Spectrum Management," by

assigning responsibilities and defining procedures

pertaining to radio frequency spectrum management at

the Kennedy Space Center (KSC).

2.  Applicability: This Handbook applies to all NASA

organizational elements under KSC jurisdiction, including

associated contractors, tenants, transients, principal

investigators, and visitors.

3.  Authority: NPD 2570.5, "Radio Frequency Spectrum

Management."

4.  Policy: The use of all radio frequencies required at

KSC or any other location/facility under the purview of

KSC will be authorized and controlled in accordance with

the provisions of this Handbook.

1-1 of 1

SECTION 2: [DEFINITIONS]{.underline}

1.  Frequency Allocation: A specific portion of the radio\
    frequency spectrum set aside for use by a particular

radio service.

2.2 Frequency Assignment: The authorization for the use of a particular
frequency for either Government or non-

Government operations.

3.  Radio Frequency Authorization (RFA): The authorization for use of
    specific radio equipment on assigned

frequencies.

4.  Spectrum Management: For the purpose of this Handbook,

this term includes, but is not limited to, the following:

a.  Consultation with potential RF system users prior to

> procurement of new equipment so equipment purchased
>
> will operate in the appropriate portion of the radio
>
> spectrum.

b.  Coordination of frequency usage.

c.  Allocation of frequencies.

d.  Assignment of frequencies.

e.  Efficient use of the radio frequency spectrum.

f\. Reducing radio frequency interference (RFI).

2-1 of 1

SECTION 3: [RESPONSIBILITIES]{.underline}

\*3.1 The KSC SPECTRUM MANAGER is the single point of contact
responsible for:

a\. Coordinating spectrum usage with the Director of Safety, Health and
Independent Assessment; Director of External Relations and Business
Development; Director of Space Station Hardware Integration Office;
Director of Space Shuttle Processing; Director of International Space
Station/Payload Processing; Director of Expendable Launch Vehicles and
Payload Carriers; Director of Spaceport Engineering and Technology; and
the Director of Spaceport Services.

b.  Monitoring and coordinating all activities pertaining to radio
    frequencies used at KSC and those NASA-KSC activities operating at
    the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFS), Patrick Air Force Base
    (PAFB), and other offsite locations.

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c.  Preparing, managing, and maintaining records pertaining to frequency
    assignment, allocation, utilization, and interference.

d.  Assigning call signs for NASA radio nets, as required.

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e.  Coordinating and evaluating requests for NASA frequency
    authorizations at KSC, CCAFS, PAFB, and other offsite locations and
    subsequently issuing authorization.

f.  Submitting radio frequency assignment requests to the appropriate
    national-level authority in accordance with current procedures.

3.2 HEADS OF PRIMARY ORGANIZATIONS are responsible for:

> a\. Submitting all radio frequency authorization requests for use at
> KSC or any other location under the purview of KSC to the KSC Spectrum
> Manager.

b.  Complying with paragraph 1(a) of NPD 2570.5 when initiating action
    for either the development or procurement of communications

    3-1 of 3

    electronic systems requiring the use of the radio frequency
    spectrum.

c.  Notifying the Spectrum Manager of previously authorized FCC radio
    frequencies prior to usage at KSC or any other location under the
    purview of KSC and withholding usage until approved by the KSC
    Spectrum Manager and until local authority has been issued.

> d\. Promptly reporting RFI in accordance with the procedures in
> Section 5 of this KHB.
>
> e\. Assuring compliance with this Handbook in requesting and utilizing
> radio frequency assignments.

\*3.4 DIRECTOR OF SPACEPORT SERVICES is responsible for assisting the
Spectrum Manager in enforcement of the provisions of this KHB by:

a\. Enforcing transmission restrictions which may be required to prevent
radio frequency interference problems.

> b\. Performing project reviews of proposed structures which may
> interfere with existing structures and equipment.

c.  Performing RFI line-of-sight compatibility studies of proposed
    equipment/structures which may cause interference to existing
    emitters/receivers.

d\. Coordinating with the Spectrum Manager on all matters regarding
user\'s compliance with the provisions of KHB 1860.2 prior to issuance
of Radio Frequency Authorizations.

> e\. Ensuring emitters do not present a danger to pyrotechnics or other
> electronic equipment from the standpoint of power, antenna pattern
> location, or lightning attraction.

3-2 of 3

\*3.6 DIRECTOR OF EXPENDABLE LAUNCH VEHICLES AND PAYLOAD CARRIERS is
responsible for providing technical assistance to the Spectrum Manager,
as required, including electromagnetic compatibility analysis and RFI
resolution.

3.7 CONTRACTING OFFICERS are responsible for ensuring the affected
contractors are apprised of, and comply with, the provisions of this
Handbook.

> 3-3 of 3

SECTION 4: [ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS FOR RADIO]{.underline}

[FREQUENCY SPECTRUM MANAGEMENT]{.underline}

4.1 RADIO FREQUENCY AUTHORIZATION

> a\. A RFA must be issued by the Spectrum Manager prior to the purchase
> of new, or operation of existing, communications or electronic
> equipment that intentionally radiates radio frequency signals. A RFA
> does not necessarily constitute authorization to radiate. Additional
> approval from the KSC Radiation Protection Officer may also be
> required.
>
> \*b. Cellular telephones, two-way pagers, "cordless" telephones, and
> wireless computer keyboards/mice have been authorized as a class of
> stations. Users do not have to request individual RFAs.

4.2 RADIO FREQUENCY AUTHORIZATION REQUESTS

> RFAs are obtained by completing a Radio Frequency Authorization
> Request form and submitting it to the Spectrum Manager. RFA Request
> forms are available from the Spectrum Manager and on the KSC Spectrum
> Management Web site (http://spectrum.ksc.nasa.gov). Depending on the
> frequencies requested, RFAs can take up to several months to be
> approved. Consequently, requests should be submitted as soon as
> requirements are known.

4.3 PROCUREMENT AUTHORIZATION

a\. It is NASA policy, in accordance with national policy, that pending
assurance of the availability of the appropriate RFA spectrum support,
no funds will be obligated for the research, development, or acquisition
of components; for modification of major communications and electronics
equipment or systems; or for the selection, procurement, and deployment
of space or terrestrial radio stations and facilities when such items
require RFA spectrum support. Approved RFA requirements must be made a
part of the specifications included with the procurement request or
requisition. This policy was adopted to prevent the purchase of
equipment that is not compatible with the existing frequency
allocations.

4-1 of 4

> \*b. All purchase requests for of any radio frequency transmitting
> equipment for use at KSC and for KSC-responsible activities at offsite
> locations by Civil Service or contractor personnel must be approved by
> the KSC Spectrum Manager prior to submission to the applicable
> procurement office.

4.4 USE OF FCC LICENSED DEVICES

a.  In the United States, the National Telecommunications and
    Information Administration (NTIA) manages the Federal Government's
    use of the radio frequency spectrum while the Federal Communications
    Commission (FCC) manages all other uses. To allow the two agencies
    to effectively manage the spectrum for their respective users, there
    are specific frequency allocations for Federal use and non-Federal
    use. All radio stations operated by or for the Federal Government
    receive frequency assignments from the NTIA and must operate in the
    portions of the spectrum that are allocated for Federal Government
    use. All other users receive operating licenses issued by the FCC
    for frequencies in the non-Government spectrum allocations.
    Non-Government users (contractors, private individuals, etc.) may
    use FCC licensed devices at KSC subject to the following
    restrictions:

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1.  Because they are employees of the Federal Government, civil service
    personnel may not normally utilize devices that operate in the
    non-Government spectrum in the performance of their official duties.
    Exceptions can be made when it is necessary for Government and
    non-Government users to communicate on the same frequency.

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2.  Equipment purchased with Government funds, either outright or
    Government Furnished Equipment (GFE), is considered to be a
    Government Radio Station and may not be operated on frequencies
    within non-Government (i.e., FCC) spectrum allocations unless a RFA
    has been issued for that purpose.

4-2 of 4

3.  When the use of FCC licensed devices is permitted, the user must
    possess a valid FCC license and must receive a RFA from the Spectrum
    Manager prior to using the devices.

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4.  Users who violate FCC Rules and Regulations will lose their
    privilege to operate at KSC.

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5.  The devices must not cause interference to NASA's official use
    communications systems.

> If interference occurs, use of the devices must be discontinued until
> the cause of the interference is resolved.

6.  Resolution of RFI caused to an FCC licensed device is the
    responsibility of the user.

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b.  Contractors should request RFAs through the cognizant contracting
    officer. A current copy of the user's FCC license must accompany the
    request. The devices must be retained by the contractor when the
    contract is terminated.

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c.  Use of FCC-licensed devices by the broadcast media and film/video
    production companies requires a RFA. A current copy of the user's
    FCC license must be kept on file with the Spectrum Manager.

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d.  Use of hand-held and mobile voice communications equipment by
    private individuals who hold a valid FCC license in the Amateur
    Radio Service, Citizen's Radio Service, or General Mobile Radio
    Service does not require a RFA. The use of fixed stations and all
    nonvoice communications equipment (radio control, data transmission,
    etc.) does require an RFA.

e.  Use of equipment in the Family Radio Service or the Multi-Use Radio
    Service is permitted in accordance with FCC regulations.

f.  Operation of Public Mobile Radio Services (cellular, paging, etc.)
    base transmitters at KSC requires a RFA. A current copy of the
    operator's FCC license must be kept on file with the Spectrum
    Manager.

4-3 of 4

5.  USE OF NONLICENSED DEVICES

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a.  Use of nonlicensed devices (also known as "Part 15" devices),
    including wireless local area networks and wireless microphones, is
    permitted, provided that the devices meet the requirements of Part
    15 of the FCC Rules and Regulations (47 CFR 15) and Annex K of the
    NTIA Manual.

b.  Operation of nonlicensed devices is authorized on a noninterference
    basis (NIB) to other authorized users. Upon notification by
    cognizant spectrum management personnel that the device is causing
    interference, the operator of the nonlicensed device shall cease all
    radiations from the device until the interference is eliminated.

c.  Nonlicensed devices will not receive protection from harmful
    interference from other users. These devices must accept any
    interference from an authorized Federal or non-Federal radio system,
    other nonlicensed device, or industrial, scientific, or medical
    (ISM) equipment. In the event that a nonlicensed device experiences
    harmful interference, the user must resolve the problem
    administratively.

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6.  KSC SPECTRUM MANAGEMENT WEB SITE

> The KSC Radio Frequency Spectrum Management Web site provides
> information about KSC spectrum management procedures, online RFA
> requests forms, RFA request status, and answers to frequently asked
> questions. The site can be accessed at http://spectrum.ksc.nasa.gov.

4-4 of 4

SECTION 5: [REPORTING RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE]{.underline}

The probability of radio frequency interference increases as more and
more demands for frequency channels (assignments) are placed on the RFI
spectrum. In an attempt to meet these demands and to optimize the use of
the spectrum, the space between channels is reduced as new communication
equipment is developed; the same frequencies are often shared by users
separated geographically; or the same frequencies may be assigned to two
or more users on a time-share basis. Because of this, some interference
must be expected (and even tolerated) since clear channels are rarely
available within the overcrowded frequency spectrum. If interference is
so severe it cannot be tolerated, the frequency user should take the
following action:

a.  Immediately report the interference to KSC Frequency Control and
    Analysis (321-867-3192). During nonduty hours, contact the Patrick
    Air Force Base Command Post (321-494-7001).

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b.  Promptly document the interference including date, time, and
    location.

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c.  Thoroughly check the affected equipment to ensure the RFI is not
    being generated internally or onsite and the equipment is operating
    properly.

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d.  If possible, identify the source of the interference by call sign or
    other identification.

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e.  Determine the frequency being affected by the interference.

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f.  Determine the type of emission and the type of traffic being
    transmitted.

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g.  Measure the bandwidth of the interfering signal (highest and lowest
    frequencies) and note the type of equipment used for measurement.

h.  Measure the interference signal strength with a high quality field
    strength meter, if available.

5-1 of 2

i.  Determine the severity of the interference. Note the impact to
    operations including the data loss or data degradation due to
    interference.

j\. Obtain any additional information that may be useful in identifying
and clearing the interference (e.g., tape recordings or spectrum
photographs).

5-2 of 2