Prof. Dr. Thomas Schildknecht wins Space Data Association’s T.S. Kelso Award

Ballasalla, Isle of Man, November 25, 2024 – Prof. Dr. Thomas Schildknecht has been announced as the recipient of the 2024 T.S. Kelso award by the Space Data Association. Having served the community for over 30 years, Schildknecht is a leading expert in space debris, space safety and space sustainability and has pioneered optical space debris tracking. The award was presented by SDA Board Member, David Zamora in Paris last week.

The SDA presents the T.S. Kelso Award annually as a recognition of outstanding contributions to space flight safety of an individual or, if shared, multiple individuals, teams, and organisations.

Based at the University of Bern, Switzerland, Schildknecht is the Astronomical Institute Head of Optical Astronomy and Space Sustainability Group, Director of Swiss Optical Ground Station and Geodynamics Observatory Zimmerwald, and Vice-Director of the Astronomical Institute. Additionally, Schildknecht is Chair of the ESA SSA Advisory Group, a Member of the Swiss Delegation of UNCOPOUS, and a full member of the International Academy of Astronautics IAA.

Schildknecht has made outstanding scientific contributions to searching for small-size space debris in higher altitudes. His contributions in using the ESA telescope at Tenerife, and the Zimmerwald Observatory in Switzerland, have been instrumental to the detection of such objects in GEO and GTO that were previously unknown. His work on optical observation techniques and instrumentation has led to the discovery of space debris of high area-to-mass originating from the GEO, which influenced substantial follow-on research and debate. Such detections are key for the modelling of the space debris environment - the foundation of space debris mitigation guidelines.

Joe Chan, SDA Chairman, commented: 'For over 30 years Prof. Dr. Thomas Schildknecht has committed his work to improving the knowledge of debris and space sustainability. His discovery of high area-to-mass debris originating from GEO has been hugely significant within the field, resulting in further re-evaluation of the debris landscape. He holds key roles within the academia and international organisations and is a driving force in the management of space safety and sustainability. The Space Data Association is proud to recognise his steadfast commitment to his field and his illustrious career. His achievements and leadership in the space safety community are truly outstanding.'

Prof. Dr. Thomas Schildknecht commented: 'I am honoured to receive this award – named after my esteemed colleague and dear friend T.S. Kelso – recognizing my work in space safety and sustainability by the SDA. Monitoring and characterizing the space debris population is a prerequisite to provide the scientific foundation for a sustainable use of near-Earth space. SDA is a great example of how working together may improve space safety and sustainability substantially. Let us address the many challenges together with the aim that our grandchildren can still benefit from exciting space missions and services we are not yet even dreaming of.'

The SDA is an international organisation that brings together satellite operators to support the controlled, reliable and efficient sharing of data critical to the safety and integrity of the space environment. Formed in 2009, the SDA aims to improve flight safety through sharing of operational data and promotion of best practices for space use. Its membership includes the world’s major satellite communications operators as well as remote sensing organisations.

To find out more about the SDA’s work or to become a member, visit: https://www.space-data.org/sda/

SDA Board Member, David Zamora presenting the award to Prof. Dr. Thomas Schildknecht.

About the SDA
The Space Data Association Limited (SDA) is a non-profit international association of satellite operators that supports the controlled, reliable, and efficient sharing of data critical to the safety and integrity of the space environment. The SDA is open to all satellite operators and other participants. Its membership comprises many of the world’s major satellite communications companies, as well as key scientific, remote sensing, and environmental satellite system operators. http://space-data.org/