NOAA’s Office of Space Commerce Joins Industry Focus on the Effects of Satellites on Astronomy
Understanding the effects satellites have on astronomy observations is the focus of a new, collaborative effort between NOAA’s Office of Space Commerce (OSC), the American Astronomical Society, the International Astronomical Union and the Satellite Industry Association.
Yesterday, Richard DalBello, the newly hired OSC director, signed a joint project agreement to collaborate with the Satellite Industry Association, the American Astronomical Society, the International Astronomy Union Center for the Protection of Dark and Quiet Skies, and the National Science Foundation to kick off the “Effects of Satellites on Astronomy Symposia” series.
The series will provide opportunities for information sharing on how commercial space companies can preserve astronomical observational data quality and analysis through technological innovations, measurements, best practices and coordination.
DalBello said during the past decade, the satellite industry has experienced dramatic growth, which has resulted in a wide array of new technologies and spawned revolutionary new commercial markets. However, this growth has caused new complications for the global astronomy community.
“Balancing the needs of the commercial satellite industry and the international astronomical community will require the combined efforts of both of these communities,” he said.
This series will serve as a platform for identifying potential conflicts and enable the Department of Commerce to provide information and guidance to new space industry entrants regarding space technology and engineering initiatives. The events will connect commercial space companies of all sizes with the astronomical science and engineering communities.
It will also share information about partnership opportunities for industry for enhancing innovation in the space, astronomical and data sciences, including instrumentation and materials engineering, measurements and calibrations for brightness and orbital and position data architectures.
All commercial and public stakeholders supporting space activities are welcome to participate. Click here for more information.
