{"id":798,"date":"2026-10-13T14:18:45","date_gmt":"2026-10-13T14:18:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/itu-app42363.pagelyhosting.com\/space-connect\/?page_id=798"},"modified":"2026-11-03T09:22:11","modified_gmt":"2026-11-03T09:22:11","slug":"2026-e-8","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/itu-app42363.pagelyhosting.com\/space-connect\/2026-e-8\/","title":{"rendered":"E8 – Constellations and Radio Astronomy"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n
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\r\n Episode 8 <\/div>\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n

\r\n Constellations & Radio Astronomy: A Review <\/h2>\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n

\r\n 6 November 2026
16:00 – 17:30 CET – Online participation <\/p>\r\n \r\n \r\n

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One of the most dramatic developments in space is the emergence of constellations of tens of thousands of low-Earth-orbiting satellites for broadband connectivity, Earth imaging and other valuable applications.  As these constellations deploy and many more are proposed, a host of implications for the space ecosystem and questions from other space actors have emerged.  The astronomy community voiced its concerns early on, both that the visibility of LEO satellites could hamper optical observations of space phenomena and that the more active radio frequency use would affect radio astronomy observations.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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For the past seven years, the astronomy and satellite communities have engaged actively to identify technical, operational and design mitigations that permit both satellites and astronomy to co-exist, and international organizations have engaged to facilitate the dialogue and explore solutions.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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In this episode of Space Connect, we will explore the state of that collaboration between radio astronomers and satellite constellation projects, discuss the most effective tools and techniques to co-exist, and the focus for future work, including in the agenda for the 2027 ITU World Radiocommunication Conference. We\u2019ll also outline national approaches to protect sensitive radio astronomy sites while still ensuring the surrounding communities enjoy the benefits of connectivity.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Agenda \u2013 Episode 8<\/h2>\n<\/div> \n
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16:00 – 16:05<\/div><\/div>
Introduction<\/strong><\/div>
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Presentation of the session and the panelists by the Moderator<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

\"\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200bPatricia
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\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200bPatricia Cooper<\/h3>

Episode Moderator<\/p>

ITU<\/p><\/div>

<div class="ituContainer">\n\nPatricia Cooper is a leading expert on satellite communications, regulation and space policy, and is the founder of the space consultancy, Constellation Advisory, LLC, where she advises smart space and satellite ventures and international projects.\n\n<\/div>\n<div class="ituContainer">\n\nFor six years, Cooper led Government Affairs for the Starlink satellite broadband constellation project at Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX), where she secured Federal Communications Commission authorization for a record 12,000 satellites, and market access in more than 30 countries. She advocated for updates to spectrum, telecom competition and space safety regulations in the US and around the globe to support the coming generation of satellite networks. Today, Starlink serves over 2 million users worldwide with a constellation of over 6,000 satellites in over 70 countries.\n\n<\/div>\n<div class="ituContainer">\n\nPrior to SpaceX, Patricia was an executive at geostationary satellite fleet operator Intelsat and as for nearly 7 years, President of the Satellite Industry Association (SIA), the leading trade organization representing U.S. satellite operators, manufacturers and service providers. At SIA, Patricia advocated in regulatory and national security arenas, for fair trade and competition rules internationally, and spearheaded a successful bipartisan, bi-cameral legislative initiative to reform satellite export control legislation.\u00a0Previously, Patricia had served in both the U.S. Federal Communications Commission and the Department of Commerce, and led international outreach at two start-ups, CoreExpress, an Internet fiber infrastructure play and PanAmSat Corporation, a disruptor in the early satellite services market.\n\n<\/div>\n<div class="ituContainer">\n\nPatricia holds a Master\u2019s Degree with Distinction in International Economics from the John Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies and a Bachelor\u2019s Degrees in Political Science and German from Kansas State University (summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa).\n\n<\/div>\n\u00a0\n\n\u00a0<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n
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16:05 \u2013 16:45<\/div><\/div>
Panelists\u2019 Presentations<\/strong><\/div>
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Overview presentation<\/strong>: Brief overview of radio\u2011frequency interference between low-Earth-orbit satellite constellations and radio astronomy observations.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

\"Ashley\"
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Ashley Vanderley<\/span><\/h3>

Senior Advisor<\/p>

Office of International Science & Engineering<\/p>

U.S. National Science Foundation<\/p><\/div>

Dr.\u00a0Ashley VanderLey\u00a0is a Senior Advisor in the Office of International Science & Engineering at the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) where she supports multilateral engagements including NSF's participation in the Global Research Council.\u00a0\u00a0Dr. VanderLey joined NSF in 2017 as a Program Director in the Division of Astronomical Sciences. Dr. VanderLey\u2019s responsibilities have included representing scientific interests for protection and use of the electromagnetic spectrum both within the United States and internationally. She serves as the U.S. Head of Delegation on behalf of the State Department to the Radio Astronomy Working Party (WP 7D) of the International Telecommunication Union and also as a Vice-chair of this Working Party.\u00a0 Additionally, she has served as a spokesperson and\/or subject matter expert on U.S. delegations for several agenda items at the 2019 World Radio Conference in Egypt and the 2023 World Radio Conference in Dubai.\u00a0 She is a member of the NSF-wide ESM Coordination group and has helped lead NSF efforts to establish the cross-Directorate Spectrum Innovation Initiative (SII).\r\n\r\nDr. VanderLey completed her Masters and Ph.D. in Astronomy from the University of Maryland, College Park and her Bachelor\u2019s degree in Astrophysics from Agnes Scott College.\u00a0 Upon completion of her Ph.D., she was a Research Fellow and an NSF Astronomy & Astrophysics Postdoctoral Fellow in the Berger Time Domain Group at Harvard University.\u00a0\u00a0Dr. VanderLey\u2019s research specialization is observational radio astronomy applied to some of the most explosive astrophysical transients in the Universe including supernovae, gamma-ray bursts, and tidal disruption events of stars around supermassive black holes.<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n
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Challenges presentation:<\/strong> SKAO observations in South Africa and Australia \u2014 space science goals and threats from satellite transmissions<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

\"Federico
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Federico Di Vruno<\/h3>

SKAO Spectrum Manager<\/p>

IAU CPS Co-Director<\/p><\/div>

<span data-contrast="none">Federico Di Vruno is Spectrum Manager at the SKA Observatory (SKAO) and one of the Co-Directors of the IAU Centre for the Protection of the Dark and Quiet Sky from Satellite Constellation Interference. Before working in radio astronomy he worked in the space industry as an electronic engineer, specialising in electromagnetic compatibility and radio frequency interference in communication and scientific spacecraft.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}">\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast="none">Since 2019, he has been involved in technical studies and regulatory discussions on low-Earth-orbit satellite constellations and their effects on radio astronomy, and represents SKAO as a sector member of the ITU Radiocommunication Sector and as a permanent observer at the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. He has authored or co-authored peer-reviewed publications, including studies of unintended electromagnetic emissions from satellite constellations.<\/span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}">\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast="none">Federico is an electronics engineer with a degree from the Universidad Tecnol\u00f3gica Nacional in Buenos Aires.<\/span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}">\u00a0<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n
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Industry Collaboration and ITU Studies: <\/strong> Required and voluntary actions for constellation operators to mitigate impacts on radio astronomy sites, and next steps for more effective coordination.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

\"Chris\"
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Chris Hofer<\/span><\/h3>

Head<\/p>

International Spectrum Management & Strategy<\/p>

Amazon Leo<\/p><\/div>

<span data-contrast="auto">Chris Hofer joined Amazon Leo in 2020 as Head, international spectrum management and strategy, with responsibility for spectrum policy and satellite coordination. An engineer by training, Chris leads Amazon Leo\u2019s work at the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) in preparation for the World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC) and operator-to-operator satellite radio frequency coordination. For the 2027 ITU World Radio Conference, Chris serves as a Working Group Chairman and is part of the Steering Committee for Working Party 4A, which focuses on efficient orbit and spectrum utilization by satellites and where many space and satellite topics are being addressed.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}">\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast="auto">Chris also leads Amazon Leo\u2019s collaboration with astronomers and has served as the co-chair of the Industry and Technology Hub at the International Astronomical Union\u2019s Centre for the Protection of the Dark & Quiet Sky since that group\u2019s formation. In 2021, Chris also co-chaired the industry subgroups for the SATCON2 and Dark and Quiet Skies 2 astronomy conferences.<\/span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}">\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span data-contrast="auto">Before Amazon, Chris served as director of regulatory affairs for Viasat, representing Viasat\u2019s satellite interests in the ITU\u2019s Working Party 4A preparations for the WRC. He also served as the elected international chairman of ITU-R Study Group 4 for two terms, from 2012-2019.<\/span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}">\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span data-contrast="auto">Previously, Chris was the lead representative for WRC activities for the Chief Information Office of the Office of Secretary of Defense. Earlier he worked at the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Telecommunications & Information Administration (NTIA), acting as the chairman of the Space Systems Subcommittee under the U.S. interagency spectrum group, Interdepartment Radio Advisory Committee (IRAC).<\/span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}">\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast="auto">He holds a Master\u2019s degree in telecommunications from the University of Colorado in Boulder and a Bachelor\u2019s degree in electrical engineering from New Mexico State University.<\/span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}">\u00a0<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n
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National Approaches and Community Considerations:<\/strong> SARAO\u2019s activities in South Africa and the nation\u2019s approach to balancing the expansion of Africa\u2019s largest and most powerful radio astronomy facility with the connectivity needs of nearby communities.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

\"Busang\"
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Busang Sethole<\/span><\/h3>

Analyst<\/p>

Spectrum & Telecommunications<\/p>

South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO)<\/p><\/div>

<span data-contrast="none">Busang Sethole is a Spectrum and Telecommunications Analyst at the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO), a business unit of the National Research Foundation (NRF) of South Africa.\u00a0 His work focuses on international spectrum policy, regulatory coordination, and the protection of radio astronomy infrastructure and scientific observations from radio frequency interference. He oversees SARAO\u2019s work to protect Radio Astronomy Services (RAS) in South Africa and leads advocacy efforts within the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to safeguard radio astronomy across Africa.<\/span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}">\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span data-contrast="none">He serves as Vice-Chairman of Working Group 7D1 under ITU-R Working Party 7D, which covers the Radio Astronomy service, where he contributes to studies on the protection of radio astronomy from non-geostationary satellite systems under WRC-27 Agenda Item 1.16. He also serves as the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) Coordinator for the same agenda item and represents South Africa in the Committee on Radio Astronomy Frequencies (CRAF).<\/span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}">\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span data-contrast="none">Busang holds a Bachelor\u2019s of Science degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the University of Cape Town.<\/span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}">\u00a0<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n
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16:45 \u2013 17:05<\/div><\/div>
Interactive panel discussion<\/strong><\/div>
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Audience Q&A session<\/div>
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Wrap-Up and session close<\/strong><\/div>
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Speakers<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>
\"\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200bPatricia
<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div>

\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200bPatricia Cooper<\/h3>

Episode Moderator<\/p>

ITU<\/p><\/div>

<div class="ituContainer">\n\nPatricia Cooper is a leading expert on satellite communications, regulation and space policy, and is the founder of the space consultancy, Constellation Advisory, LLC, where she advises smart space and satellite ventures and international projects.\n\n<\/div>\n<div class="ituContainer">\n\nFor six years, Cooper led Government Affairs for the Starlink satellite broadband constellation project at Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX), where she secured Federal Communications Commission authorization for a record 12,000 satellites, and market access in more than 30 countries. She advocated for updates to spectrum, telecom competition and space safety regulations in the US and around the globe to support the coming generation of satellite networks. Today, Starlink serves over 2 million users worldwide with a constellation of over 6,000 satellites in over 70 countries.\n\n<\/div>\n<div class="ituContainer">\n\nPrior to SpaceX, Patricia was an executive at geostationary satellite fleet operator Intelsat and as for nearly 7 years, President of the Satellite Industry Association (SIA), the leading trade organization representing U.S. satellite operators, manufacturers and service providers. At SIA, Patricia advocated in regulatory and national security arenas, for fair trade and competition rules internationally, and spearheaded a successful bipartisan, bi-cameral legislative initiative to reform satellite export control legislation.\u00a0Previously, Patricia had served in both the U.S. Federal Communications Commission and the Department of Commerce, and led international outreach at two start-ups, CoreExpress, an Internet fiber infrastructure play and PanAmSat Corporation, a disruptor in the early satellite services market.\n\n<\/div>\n<div class="ituContainer">\n\nPatricia holds a Master\u2019s Degree with Distinction in International Economics from the John Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies and a Bachelor\u2019s Degrees in Political Science and German from Kansas State University (summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa).\n\n<\/div>\n\u00a0\n\n\u00a0<\/div><\/div>
\"Ashley\"
<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div>

Ashley Vanderley<\/span><\/h3>

Senior Advisor<\/p>

Office of International Science & Engineering<\/p>

U.S. National Science Foundation<\/p><\/div>

Dr.\u00a0Ashley VanderLey\u00a0is a Senior Advisor in the Office of International Science & Engineering at the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) where she supports multilateral engagements including NSF's participation in the Global Research Council.\u00a0\u00a0Dr. VanderLey joined NSF in 2017 as a Program Director in the Division of Astronomical Sciences. Dr. VanderLey\u2019s responsibilities have included representing scientific interests for protection and use of the electromagnetic spectrum both within the United States and internationally. She serves as the U.S. Head of Delegation on behalf of the State Department to the Radio Astronomy Working Party (WP 7D) of the International Telecommunication Union and also as a Vice-chair of this Working Party.\u00a0 Additionally, she has served as a spokesperson and\/or subject matter expert on U.S. delegations for several agenda items at the 2019 World Radio Conference in Egypt and the 2023 World Radio Conference in Dubai.\u00a0 She is a member of the NSF-wide ESM Coordination group and has helped lead NSF efforts to establish the cross-Directorate Spectrum Innovation Initiative (SII).\r\n\r\nDr. VanderLey completed her Masters and Ph.D. in Astronomy from the University of Maryland, College Park and her Bachelor\u2019s degree in Astrophysics from Agnes Scott College.\u00a0 Upon completion of her Ph.D., she was a Research Fellow and an NSF Astronomy & Astrophysics Postdoctoral Fellow in the Berger Time Domain Group at Harvard University.\u00a0\u00a0Dr. VanderLey\u2019s research specialization is observational radio astronomy applied to some of the most explosive astrophysical transients in the Universe including supernovae, gamma-ray bursts, and tidal disruption events of stars around supermassive black holes.<\/div><\/div>
\"Chris\"
<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div>

Chris Hofer<\/span><\/h3>

Head<\/p>

International Spectrum Management & Strategy<\/p>

Amazon Leo<\/p><\/div>

<span data-contrast="auto">Chris Hofer joined Amazon Leo in 2020 as Head, international spectrum management and strategy, with responsibility for spectrum policy and satellite coordination. An engineer by training, Chris leads Amazon Leo\u2019s work at the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) in preparation for the World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC) and operator-to-operator satellite radio frequency coordination. For the 2027 ITU World Radio Conference, Chris serves as a Working Group Chairman and is part of the Steering Committee for Working Party 4A, which focuses on efficient orbit and spectrum utilization by satellites and where many space and satellite topics are being addressed.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}">\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast="auto">Chris also leads Amazon Leo\u2019s collaboration with astronomers and has served as the co-chair of the Industry and Technology Hub at the International Astronomical Union\u2019s Centre for the Protection of the Dark & Quiet Sky since that group\u2019s formation. In 2021, Chris also co-chaired the industry subgroups for the SATCON2 and Dark and Quiet Skies 2 astronomy conferences.<\/span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}">\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span data-contrast="auto">Before Amazon, Chris served as director of regulatory affairs for Viasat, representing Viasat\u2019s satellite interests in the ITU\u2019s Working Party 4A preparations for the WRC. He also served as the elected international chairman of ITU-R Study Group 4 for two terms, from 2012-2019.<\/span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}">\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span data-contrast="auto">Previously, Chris was the lead representative for WRC activities for the Chief Information Office of the Office of Secretary of Defense. Earlier he worked at the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Telecommunications & Information Administration (NTIA), acting as the chairman of the Space Systems Subcommittee under the U.S. interagency spectrum group, Interdepartment Radio Advisory Committee (IRAC).<\/span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}">\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast="auto">He holds a Master\u2019s degree in telecommunications from the University of Colorado in Boulder and a Bachelor\u2019s degree in electrical engineering from New Mexico State University.<\/span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}">\u00a0<\/span><\/div><\/div>
\"Federico
<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div>

Federico Di Vruno<\/h3>

SKAO Spectrum Manager<\/p>

IAU CPS Co-Director<\/p><\/div>

<span data-contrast="none">Federico Di Vruno is Spectrum Manager at the SKA Observatory (SKAO) and one of the Co-Directors of the IAU Centre for the Protection of the Dark and Quiet Sky from Satellite Constellation Interference. Before working in radio astronomy he worked in the space industry as an electronic engineer, specialising in electromagnetic compatibility and radio frequency interference in communication and scientific spacecraft.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}">\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast="none">Since 2019, he has been involved in technical studies and regulatory discussions on low-Earth-orbit satellite constellations and their effects on radio astronomy, and represents SKAO as a sector member of the ITU Radiocommunication Sector and as a permanent observer at the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. He has authored or co-authored peer-reviewed publications, including studies of unintended electromagnetic emissions from satellite constellations.<\/span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}">\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast="none">Federico is an electronics engineer with a degree from the Universidad Tecnol\u00f3gica Nacional in Buenos Aires.<\/span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}">\u00a0<\/span><\/div><\/div>
\"Busang\"
<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div>

Busang Sethole<\/span><\/h3>

Analyst<\/p>

Spectrum & Telecommunications<\/p>

South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO)<\/p><\/div>

<span data-contrast="none">Busang Sethole is a Spectrum and Telecommunications Analyst at the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO), a business unit of the National Research Foundation (NRF) of South Africa.\u00a0 His work focuses on international spectrum policy, regulatory coordination, and the protection of radio astronomy infrastructure and scientific observations from radio frequency interference. He oversees SARAO\u2019s work to protect Radio Astronomy Services (RAS) in South Africa and leads advocacy efforts within the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to safeguard radio astronomy across Africa.<\/span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}">\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span data-contrast="none">He serves as Vice-Chairman of Working Group 7D1 under ITU-R Working Party 7D, which covers the Radio Astronomy service, where he contributes to studies on the protection of radio astronomy from non-geostationary satellite systems under WRC-27 Agenda Item 1.16. He also serves as the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) Coordinator for the same agenda item and represents South Africa in the Committee on Radio Astronomy Frequencies (CRAF).<\/span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}">\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span data-contrast="none">Busang holds a Bachelor\u2019s of Science degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the University of Cape Town.<\/span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}">\u00a0<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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