Two global satellite operators have chosen the Isle of Man as the base for a non-profit company dedicated to improving the safety and sustainability of satellite operations.
SES S.A. Intelsat Ltd and Inmarsat plc have together founded the Space Data Association Ltd (SDA), the first satellite operator-led association set up to share critical operational data in support of satellite operations.
Isle of Man company ManSat will provide administrative services for the association, which will be open to all satellite operators and other participants.
In order to enhance the management of satellite conjunction analysis and mitigation of RF interference, the SDA will also establish the Satellite Data Centre to provide an efficient, reliable and secure means for participants to share key operations data.
The SDA anticipates that its electronic Data Centre will become operational in 2010.
"The sharing of data among satellite operators has been a key factor in the successful management of space resources we share.
"The SDA will provide the means for improving that sharing, securing the integrity of operations for all satellite operators and contributing to the long-term sustainability of the space environment," said Romain Bausch, President and CEO of SES.
"Also, on behalf of the directors of the SDA, I would like to thank the Isle of Man Government for its support of the commercial space industry and the establishment of this association."
Intelsat CEO Dave McGlade said, "With the creation of the Space Data Association, global satellite operators have signalled their intention to play a leadership role in increasing the safety of space operations and preserving the space environment for future generations.
"This organization will create an important forum for sharing critical information among the member operators and between those operators and interested governments."
Inmarsat Chairman and CEO, Andrew Sukawaty said, "Inmarsat is committed to support this important initiative along with Intelsat and SES.
"The establishment of the Space Data Association is a significant milestone that will contribute to an improvement overall of our day to day satellite operations and I expect that many other satellite operators will soon join the SDA."
Ian Jarritt (pictured), Director of ManSat and Secretaty of the SDA, comments, "We are delighted to be part of this exciting project which has clear benefits across the entire satellite industry."
Alex Downie MLC, Treasury Member with responsibility for the Isle of Man’s space industry, said, "This is another very significant milestone in the development of the Island’s space industry and is further evidence of the Island’s growing international reputation and profile".
