Systems and methods for determining radio frequency interference

TLDR: In this article, the presence, frequency and amplitude of radio frequency interference superimposed on communication links originating from a terrestrial region and including a relay in a geostationary spacecraft are determined by pointing a narrow beam antenna on the satellite at the terrestrial region.

Abstract: The presence, frequency and amplitude of radio frequency interference superimposed on communication links originating from a terrestrial region and including a relay in a geostationary spacecraft are determined by pointing a narrow beam antenna on the satellite at the terrestrial region. The level of noise radiated from the region, in a predetermined frequency band of interest, to the antenna is measured at a terrestrial station that is usually remote from the region. Many of the measurements are performed in each of a plurality of frequency bands across the spectrum. Calibrating radio signals having a plurality of predetermined EIRP's (Effective Isotropic Radiated Power) and frequencies in the spectrum are transmitted from the region through the spacecraft narrow beam antenna back to the station. At the station, the levels of the received calibrating signals are separately measured for each of the frequency bands and EIRP's. In response to comparisons of the measured amplitudes of like frequencies of the calibrating signals and noise, the presence, frequency and amplitude of sources of radio frequency interference originating from the region are determined.