[Satellite TODAY 12-02-09] Satellite operators SES, Intelsat and Inmarsat have established the Space Data Association (SDA) in the Isle of Man, the companies announced Dec. 1.
    The non-profit, satellite operator-led organization is dedicated to sharing critical operational data in support of satellite operations, improving flight safety and preserving the space environment. ManSat, a space company based in the Isle of Man, will provide administrative services for the association that will be open to all satellite operators and other participants.
    The SDA will establish a satellite data center in the Isle of Man, which will aim to provide an efficient, reliable and secure means for participants to share key operations data. The SDA anticipates that its electronic data center will become operational in 2010.
    The SDA named SES’ Stewart Sanders, Intelsat’s Tobias Nassif and Inmarsat’s Ruy Pinto as its first directors.