What data is shared?
Data sharing is defined by the type of service:
- Third-party access to data (Enhanced Services only is strictly controlled and determined by the SDA)
- All members must participate in points of contact and conjunction assessment but can choose whether to participate in other services
- Participation in a service requires the member to provide associated data
What can/can’t the data be used for?
SDC-permitted uses:
- Operational support, including safety of flight
- EMI/RFI resolution of actual harmful interference, including at ITU
Support for insurance underwriting
- As legally required by national regulatory authorities
SDC-prohibited uses:
- Any commercial purpose (sales, planning, marketing, etc.)
- Securing orbital-spectrum rights
- Transmittal to third parties (except for safety of flight)
- Any other use that is not a permitted use
These conditions are enforced by the legally binding agreements.
What are the key system features?
- A diversely hosted system with globally distributed tertiary redundancy for high availability and to encourage global participation
- Data protection through use of high-level security systems and protocols
- Robust administration and system auditing processes
- Validation of contributed data and results to minimize errors
- Ease of access for authorized users coupled with robust and strictly administered access procedures
How will the SDA be funded?
To date, the founding members (SES, Intelsat and Inmarsat) have supported all startup costs. Future funding will be as agreed by the SDA executive members on a cost-sharing basis. Funding will be at a level to ensure a cash-positive balance though not-for-profit and will anticipate future development.
What are the next steps?
The SDC has now achieved initial operating capability (IOC), and we are seeking satellite operators to join as Standard Members.
- Members are encouraged to participate in pre-full operational capabilities (FOC) conjunction assessment testing and validation and also participate in other SDA development activities
- Members’ fees are not be due until after FOC in the first quarter of 2011
- Participation in pre-full operational capability conjunction assessment operations is optional but greatly helps in building a robust system and validating data as soon as possible
What is the difference between SOCRATES-GEO and SDA?
During initial operating capabilities, there is no difference between the SDA/SDC and Socrates-GEO. After full operating capabilities, which will take place in the first quarter of 2011, the SDA’s data center will offer greater capability including:
- RFI mitigation support
- Avoidance maneuver planning
- On-demand conjunction analysis
- Enabled Web services, which allows interaction with the SDC in more ways
Who can join the SDA?
SDA membership is open to all owners and operators responsible for the control and operations of in-orbit satellites. Join today!
How do I join?
To gain the benefits of the Space Data Association, sign up online or email us at