Dan Oltrogge Awarded T.S. Kelso Award by Space Data Association
The Space Data Association announces that Dan Oltrogge, Chief Scientist and Director of the Center for Space Standards and Innovation at COMSPOC Corporation has been awarded the 2026 T.S. Kelso Space Safety Award. The award was presented by Space Data Association Strategy and Policy Advisor, Andrew D’Uva at the AMOS Conference in Maui, Hawai’i yesterday.
The Space Data Association 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. It is named after the first recipient, T.S. Kelso, who was instrumental in founding the SDA and who continues to make significant contributions to space safety.
Dan Oltrogge is an accomplished astrodynamicist, having worked within the space industry for nearly 40 years. He led the Space Data Center (SDC) at COMSPOC whilst also standing as a space policy expert and Chief Scientist for the organisation. As one of the leading lobbyists, Dan, alongside the SDA, consistently called for governments to provide improved space situational awareness (SSA) services to promote sustainability within space – a feat which we are now beginning to see.
David Zamora, Space Data Association Chairman, commented: “Dan has demonstrated a career dedicated to improving space traffic management, leading the charge for SSA capabilities through his work. Dan has tirelessly continued to support international standards in the space safety community and has been a significant player, helping us to develop the Space Data Centre, the first SDA SSA platform. We are honoured to give this award to Dan. He is an extremely worthy recipient.”
The Space Data Association is an international non-profit 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 Space Data Association 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.