The Space Data Association (SDA) and the European Space Agency (ESA) decided last month to strengthen their cooperation on space safety and sustainability — the SDA signed the Zero Debris Charter, which is a voluntary commitment that aims to establish a common vision and a set of principles and targets for reducing and preventing space debris.
Drafted in a full open and collaborative process facilitated by ESA’s Protect Accelerator, the Charter builds on the existing international guidelines and best practices, such as the UN Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines and the IADC guidelines. The Charter also goes beyond the current standards and proposes more ambitious and concrete actions outlined in five technical targets.
In the framework of the current cooperation, the SDA and ESA will further explore new collaboration opportunities. The SDA invites its Members to sign the Zero Debris Charter and support the drafting of the Zero Debris Technical Booklet, which intends to define how to reach Zero Debris by 2030.
The SDA is an international organization that brings together satellite operators to support the controlled, reliable and efficient sharing of data critical to the safety and integrity of the space environment. Formed in 2009, the SDA aims to improve flight safety through sharing of operational data and promotion of best practices for space use. Its participants include the world’s major satellite communications operators as well as remote sensing organizations.
The SDA runs a service to share contact details, pool operational data, validate them, and perform conjunction assessments. The SDA is also working to improve the accuracy and timeliness of collision warning notifications, as well as working with all interested entities to help define the next generation of Space Traffic Management systems and capabilities.
The signing of the Charter follows the announcement that Dr. Thomas Schildknecht, Chair of the ESA SSA Advisory Group, was presented with the T.S. Kelso Space Safety Award for his services to space flight safety.
Joe Chan, SDA Chairman, said, “The SDA has long recognized the importance of managing space debris and its impact on space traffic operations. The Zero Debris Charter is a crucial step towards ensuring the sustainable use of space, aligning nations to deliver ambitious actions outlined in its five technical targets. The industry must not hesitate to facilitate the sustainable use of space.”
Quentin Verspieren, Space Safety Program and Protect Accelerator Coordinator, said, “We believe that the Zero Debris Charter is a central contribution towards ensuring the safe and sustainable use of space for the benefit of humanity and future generations. We also believe that the Space Data Association, as a leading organization in the field of space situational awareness and data sharing, has a vital role to play in promoting and advancing the Charter’s ambitious objectives. With the Zero Debris Community, we can make a difference and ensure that space remains safe and accessible for all.”
About the SDA
The Space Data Association Limited (SDA) is a non-profit international association of satellite operators that supports the controlled, reliable, and efficient sharing of data critical to the safety and integrity of the space environment. The SDA is open to all satellite operators and other participants. Its participants comprise of many of the world’s major satellite communications companies, as well as key scientific, remote sensing, and environmental satellite system operators.
