The International Telecommunications Union reserves a special radio band in the 1400-1427 MHz range, called the L-band, especially for Earth-observing satellites and space astronomy.

To establish a series of science and technology satellites to enhance researches on microgravity, material science, life science, space environment and astronomy.

Astronomy enthusiasts often enter this field as hobbyists, using binoculars or a telescope to observe the motion of planets or artificial satellites orbiting the earth.