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The K_a band (Pronounced: "Kay-A Band") covers the frequencies of 26.5-40GHz^[1]. 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 so-called 30/20 GHz band is used in communications satellites, uplink in either the 27.5 GHz and 31 GHz bands^[2], 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^[3]. 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.^[4]

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:

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

References

1. ^ R. Ludwig, P. Bretchko, RF Circuit Design, Theory and Applications, Prentice Hall NJ, 2000.
2. ^ http://www.tech-faq.com/ka-band.shtml
3. ^ http://hypertextbook.com/facts/2000/MaxLipkin.shtml
4. ^ http://www.itwissen.info/definition/lexikon/K-Band-K-band.html (german)