D-Orbit workers holding a CubeSat. Photo: D-Orbit

[Via Satellite 08-19-2016] Italian startup D-Orbit has joined the Space Data Association (SDA). The company will contribute additional expertise to the association on the topic of space debris mitigation.

The SDA is an international nonprofit comprised of satellite operators that supports the controlled, reliable and efficient sharing of space environment and Radio Frequency (RF) spectrum data. It offers its members direct and technical support for operations, as well as an operational data exchange to help ensure the safety of operations. Members of the SDA receive information that improves operations for conjunction assessment, RF interference, and geolocation support.

D-Orbit develops technology that can be integrated onto satellites and launch stages to streamline the initial and final phases of space missions. The company received a 2 million euro ($2.3 million) award from the European Commission through the Horizon 2020 SME program earlier this year, and in May joined the Technology for Self-Removal of Spacecraft (TeSeR) project currently under the leadership of Airbus Defence and Space.