Ka band

Ka band Frequency range 26.5–40 GHz Related bands K band · Ku band

ITU Radio Band Numbers 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 ITU Radio Band Symbols ELF SLF ULF VLF LF MF HF VHF UHF SHF EHF THF NATO Radio bands A B C D E F G H I J K L M IEEE Radar bands HF VHF UHF L S C X Ku K Ka Q V W D

The K_a band (Pronounced: "Kay-Ay Band") covers the frequencies of 26.5–40 GHz. The K_a band is part of the K band of the microwave band of the electromagnetic spectrum. This symbol refers to "K-above" — in other words, the band directly above the K-band. The 30/20 GHz band is used in communications satellites, uplink in either the 27.5 GHz and 31 GHz bands, and high-resolution, close-range targeting radars aboard military airplanes. Some frequencies in this radio band are used for vehicle speed detection by law enforcement. Kepler Mission uses this frequency range to downlink the scientific data collected by the space telescope.

The designation "K_a-band" is from Kurz-above, which stems from the German word "kurz" meaning short.

In satellite communications, the K_a band allows higher bandwidth communication, and is going to be used in the upcoming Iridium Next satellite series, for instance. Unlike the K_u and the C bands, however, it is far more susceptible to signal attenuation under rainy conditions.

Other Microwave bands

The microwave spectrum is usually defined as electromagnetic energy ranging from approximately 1 GHz to 100 GHz in frequency, but older usage includes lower frequencies. Most common applications are within the 1 to 40 GHz range. Microwave frequency bands, as defined by the Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB), are shown in the table below:

L band	1 to 2 GHz
S band	2 to 4 GHz
C band	4 to 8 GHz
X band	8 to 12 GHz
Ku band	12 to 18 GHz
K band	18 to 26.5 GHz
Ka band	26.5 to 40 GHz
Q band	30 to 50 GHz
U band	40 to 60 GHz
V band	50 to 75 GHz
E band	60 to 90 GHz
W band	75 to 110 GHz
F band	90 to 140 GHz
D band	110 to 170 GHz

Footnote: P band is sometimes incorrectly used for Ku Band. "P" for "previous" was a radar band used in the UK ranging from 250 to 500 MHz and now obsolete per IEEE Std 521, see [1] and [2]. For other definitions see Letter Designations of Microwave Bands