SDA Appoints Erika Rossetto and Lorenzo Arona as Directors

The Space Data Association has appointed Erika Rossetto of Embratel StarOne and Lorenzo Arona of Avanti Communications as Standard Member Directors.

This is the second consecutive term for Rossetto. Arona is returning having previously held the position from 2019 to 2021. He succeeds Viasat’s Tobias Nassif who has been serving as a Director for the last two years, and who was an integral part of the original foundation of the group.

Rossetto has extensive knowledge within flight dynamics and has led Embratel StarOne’s Flight Dynamics team for over 13 years. Arona has more than 15 years of experience in satellite operations, first at the European Space Agency, where he worked on interplanetary probes like Rosetta and Venus Express, then at Avanti Communications.

The Space Data Association (SDA) is an international organization 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.

Erika Rossetto, Manager of Flight Dynamics, Embratel StarOne and Standard Member Director, SDA, commented: “There is great value in the work that the Space Data Association is doing, helping to enable a safer space environment. While a lot has already been achieved, the entire board recognises that there is still more to be done and I’m pleased to be a part of making that happen.”

Lorenzo Arona, Senior Manager, Flight Dynamics, Avanti Communications, and Standard Member Director, SDA, added: “As well as providing real and accurate data to improve space safety, the Space Data Association is actively working to generate wider awareness of the issues being faced and encourage participation from across the industry. These are all things that align well with both my personal aspirations and those of Avanti and I look forward to being more actively involved.”

Joe Chan, Director, Flight Dynamics, Intelsat, continues to serve as chairman. Commenting on the appointments he said: “The Standard Member Directors provide crucial representation of the Standard Members within the SDA. Over the past couple of years the support and contributions we have had from Erika Rossetto and Tobias Nassif have been extremely valuable. Equally Lorenzo Arona brings with him a wealth of experience and unrivalled enthusiasm for the cause we are working towards. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Tobias Nassif for his support over the last couple of years.”