A New Model for International Cooperation in Space
Stewart Sanders
SVP, Planning and Procurement, SES
Chairman, Space Data Association
and
Christopher Stott
Chairman and CEO, ManSat
International Institute of Space Commerce
Excerpt
The formation of the Space Data Association (SDA) represents an interesting model for international cooperation in space activities. The SDA is a not for profit organization incorporated in the Isle of Man, part of the British Isles, and was formed by the world’s three largest satellite operators, SES, Intelsat, and Inmarsat. What makes the SDA unique is that unlike other international organizations that are largely focused on the pursuit of either academic or scientific goals, the SDA is focused on directly improving the safety of the orbital operational environment by focusing on both radio frequency interference mitigation and collision avoidance. The SDA is also of interest in that it has been formed voluntarily by commercial interests to act as an industry self-regulating body whose beneficiaries are the customers, shareholders, and ultimately the general public which the satellite communications industry serves.
Read more: The-Space-Data-Association-Sanders-Stott