The CleanWaves initiative – Securing the Radio Frequency Spectrum
From mobile phones to television, most everyday technologies rely on radio frequencies (RF), the medium that enables satellite connectivity. The RF spectrum has become the invisible fabric of modern life. Demand for this limited resource is growing rapidly, creating congestion and increasing the risk of interference. Malicious activity can disrupt both commercial services and critical infrastructures, like power plants.
What is CleanWaves?
To address these challenges, the European Space Agency (ESA) launched the CleanWaves initiative. Its goal is to anticipate future needs, strengthen European industrial capabilities and reduce reliance on non-European technologies.
CleanWaves focuses on supporting industry in ESA Member states with the development of space-based tools to monitor radio frequencies, detect interference, locate sources and optimise spectrum use. One key objective is to measure large-area occupancy to better understand usage patterns and improve efficiency.
ESA is also exploring a synthetic environment to simulate real-world conditions in a secure setting. This will allow safe testing of interference scenarios and emerging technologies such as direct-to-device communications.
These technologies are still in an early phase, making ESA’s support essential for advancing readiness and integrating them into operational and commercial systems.
The initiative operates under the International Telecommunication Union’s radio regulations and strict data governance, ensuring compliance while supporting Europe’s strategic interests in global negotiations.
CleanWaves' goals have been developed on the basis of interest expressed by stakeholders (satellite mission operators, radio frequency spectrum regulators, industry) and is aligned with major programmes and initiatives in Europe. It aims to support Europe’s autonomy, resilience and competitiveness in RF spectrum management.