Frequency range 26.5 – 40 GHz Related bands | Wavelength range 1.11 cm – 7.5 mm | |
The Ka band ("kay-ay band") covers the radio frequencies of 26.5–40 GHz, i.e. wavelengths from slightly over one centimeter down to 7.5 millimeters. The Ka 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. The Kepler Mission uses this frequency range to downlink the scientific data collected by the space telescope.
The designation "Ka-band" is from Kurz-above, which stems from the German word "kurz" meaning short.
In satellite communications, the Ka band allows higher bandwidth communication. It is used in the Inmarsat I-5 system and will be used in the Iridium Next satellite series, as well as the James Webb Space Telescope. The Ka band is more susceptible to rain attenuation than is the Ku band, which in turn is more susceptible than the C band.