COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO (BNO NEWS) – The Space Data Center (SDC), an automated space situational awareness system, began operations on Tuesday and is expected to improve the safety and efficiency of satellite operations through the sharing of operator-owned orbital data, the Space Data Association (SDA) announced.

The SDA's initial operations capabilities (IOC) include conjunction assessments for 126 satellites in geostationary orbit owned by Inmarsat, Intelsat and SES. Early next year, the SDA will be fully operational and will also support radio frequency interference (RFI) mitigation. Commercial and government operators with satellites in all Earth orbits are expected to become members too.

Analytical Graphics, Inc. (AGI) developed the system, based on its commercial software. The center provides SDA members web-based access to operational capabilities through a service-oriented architecture. The system will automatically process supplied orbital data such as planned maneuvers, conjunction assessments, and automated warning alerts. It will also support avoidance maneuver planning and greater data sharing.

"The IOC represents a significant milestone in the SDA's development. We are working to quickly expand the SDA's satellite operator membership and obtain greater access to high-accuracy data," says Stewart Sanders, SDA Chairman and Director.

The SDA is a non-profit international organization formed in 2009 for safe and responsible satellite operations. It also prevents collisions in space and improves satellite communications. It is open to all satellite operators.

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