Insights and News
The Space Data Association is at the forefront of the space industry. You can read our latest news and opinions here and find out which events we will be attending.
Upcoming Events
DGI (Defence Geospatial Intelligence) 2025
DGI (Defence Geospatial Intelligence) 2025
Satellite 2025
Satellite 2025
News & Views
Why Milsatcom Needs to Prioritise Space Situational Awareness
Satellite-based communications, surveillance, intelligence, navigation and early warning systems are critical for military operations. However, both the continuous operation of satellite networks and the long-term sustainability of space are reliant on all satellites...
Space Data Association signs the Zero Debris Charter
Ballasalla, Isle of Man, December 4, 2024 – The Space Data Association (SDA) and the European Space Agency (ESA) have decided to strengthen their cooperation on space safety and sustainability. In the framework of this collaboration, the SDA has signed the Zero Debris...
Prof. Dr. Thomas Schildknecht wins Space Data Association’s T.S. Kelso Award
Ballasalla, Isle of Man, 25 November 2024 – Prof. Dr. Thomas Schildknecht has been announced as the recipient of the 2024 T.S. Kelso award by the Space Data Association. Having served the community for over 30 years, Schildknecht is a leading expert in space debris,...
Space Data Association Granted Permanent Observer Status at UN COPUOS
Ballasalla, Isle of Man, 10 July 2024 – The Space Data Association (SDA) has received the recommendation to achieve Permanent Observer Status at the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UN COPUOS). During its 67th session, held in Vienna from...
Data Sharing: Risk vs Reward for Space Sustainability
As space continues to get more crowded than ever, there has been an increased focus from across the industry to ensure the long-term sustainability of space. It is also becoming increasingly apparent that sharing data is essential to reach this goal. Without shared...
Space Data Association Announces T.S Kelso Award 2024 Call for Nominations
Ballasalla, Isle of Man, 15th May 2024 – The Space Data Association (SDA) has officially opened its call for nominations for the fourth T.S. Kelso Awards. The esteemed award is presented by the SDA to an individual or group that has made an outstanding impact in the...
SDA Board Thanks Retiring Board Members Pascal Wauthier and Mark Dickinson
Having a strong and effective chairperson is crucial for the success of a board of directors, and for an organisation as a whole. Not only does the chairperson play a key role in ensuring that an organisation operates in the best interests of its stakeholders, but...
Space Situational Awareness and the Satcom Industry
As the number of satellites and other objects in orbit grows year-on-year, space traffic management is becoming increasingly challenging. For satellites to operate safely and avoid collisions, it’s crucial that the right data and systems are available to enable...
SDA Year in Review Blog
2023 has been a year of intense discussion around Space Situational Awareness (SSA). Questions around the impact of Low Earth Orbit constellations and the increasing number of active satellites is creating an urgent need to address the challenges. Another near-miss at...