Charter of the Radio Astronomy Frequency Committee in the Asia-Pacific region (RAFCAP)

C H A R T E R

With Terms of Reference

1. RAFCAP Status and Mission

RAFCAP acts as the scientific expert committee on frequency issues for the Asia- Pacific radio astronomy and related sciences.

The mission of RAFCAP is
 

(a) to keep the frequency bands used for radio astronomical observations free from interference.
 

(b) to argue the scientific needs of radio astronomy for continued access to and availability of the radio spectrum for radio astronomy within the Asia-Pacific region.
 

(c) to support related science communities in their needs of interference-free radio frequency bands for passive use.

2. RAFCAP Terms of Reference

RAFCAP will

- provide scientific advice for the co-ordination of a common Asia-Pacific policy on frequency protection for radio astronomy, and related sciences;

- promote understanding on the issue of passive frequency use for scientific measurements;

- provide a discussion forum on interference issues in passive frequency use, and increase public awareness of these fields at the Asia-Pacific level and the international level.

In the pursuit of these tasks, RAFCAP will interact with the relevant major bodies and supranational entities at the Asia-Pacific and international level.

RAFCAP Committee Members are required to maintain links with their national observatories involved in radio astronomy and with their national radiocommunications administrations.

3. RAFCAP Committee Membership and Structure

The Committee Members are appointed for a three-year term, normally renewable, after appropriate consultation with RAFCAP and with the respective national bodies.

The Chairperson of RAFCAP is appointed in response to his/her nomination by the RAFCAP Committee. The term of the RAFCAP chair is three years with possible extension.

The Committee shall be responsible for the appointment of a Secretary to support the Committee in its activities, and undertake any other activities the Committee may require.

4. Member Institutions of RAFCAP

Member institutions of RAFCAP – supporting the meetings of the Committee – should be involved in radio astronomy, or related sciences.

New member institutions are accepted after consultation with RAFCAP and the existing institutions.

5. RAFCAP Modus Operandi

The Committee shall normally hold at least one plenary meeting per year at which all business items are considered. The committee meetings are convened by the RAFCAP Chairperson. Additional meetings or teleconferences are convened as appropriate.

The Committee may establish procedures as necessary to meet its mission.

The Committee, if it is deemed necessary, may draw up a set of detailed regulations for its modus operandi, in line with the Charter.

6. RAFCAP Finance

The costs of the Committee's activities are financed by the member institutions. Contributions from other bodies - such as national research agencies and institutes, or other institutions – may also be sought.

RAFCAP finances are regularly audited by one of the RAFCAP member institutions.

7. Reporting and Advising Activities of RAFCAP

The Committee reports, as appropriate, to the RAFCAP member institutions.