Digital rendition of space debris. Photo: NASA

[Via Satellite 06-03-2015] Orbcomm and Turkish satellite operator Turksat have joined the Space Data Association (SDA), an international non-profit association of satellite operators that supports the sharing of space environment and Radio Frequency (RF) spectrum data. The SDA improves Space Situational Awareness (SSA) among satellite operators to reduce the risk of in-orbit collisions as well as RF interference.

Orbcomm and Turksat will increase the supply of information for satellite operators around the world, and will have access to SDA’s space environment data and connections to other members. Members of the SDA receive immediate access to information that improves operations for conjunction assessment, RF interference, and geolocation support, as well as providing authoritative contact information for a given space object.

“When it comes to providing vital data, it is clear that the more participants we have feeding into that, the more accurate we can be. We look forward to continued growth over the coming months,” said Mark Rawlins, Chairman of the SDA.