The threat to our use of space has been spoken about, at length, for many years. Space debris, collision and crowding clearly must be managed effectively to maintain a safe and operationally viable working space. Most space users agree that Space Traffic Coordination and Management are critical to managing the complex on-orbit interactions. However, the longstanding challenge has been in traffic coordination. With political and commercial users utilising the domain, how can a truly cohesive approach be created?
Public vs. Private: the challenges
Public offerings, such as Space-Track, have been available for years, and yet many question their suitability for meeting spacecraft operator flight safety needs. Technologically, the data and systems are at times not sufficiently accurate to support the many ways that operators are using that data. Modern systems can produce highly accurate, responsive, and timely analysis of complex data and support the collaborative, crowd-sourced manner that many feel is needed. Additionally, the complexity of the political landscape may deter both confidence and, ultimately, the use of public-office led STM services.
Satellite Operators have been raising concerns regarding the lack of suitable STCM measures for years. Satellite Operators need services which allow them to launch, manage, and decommission satellites safely. To support these mission phases, SSA information needs to be timely, comprehensive, highly available, and accurate, and it must be paired with common laws in which all space users abide by. As the space industry sees huge growth in terms of the number of satellites in orbit, safety of flight systems must scale to manage the data and required information accordingly. The technological side of this is possible, however it comes at a significant price.
Investment is desperately needed to utilise all the advanced algorithms, data collection, and monitoring tools available, and to deliver the level of Space Traffic Coordination and Management truly needed to maximise the use of space. Data collection, the use of sensors, and data processing have all progressed in recent years, however the major limiting factor of the services available, has been the lack of funding and sponsorship. Without clear direction and support from governments and regulatory bodies to contribute to central STCM systems, a lack of cohesion is creating that poses challenge within the space domain.
Can we reduce perceived crowding by improving data collection and usage?
There have been many discussions surrounding STCM and the launch of large constellations. Clearly, an increase in space traffic must be reflected in sophisticated data and monitoring systems. Without the correct systems in place, larger safety margins are required to prevent collision, thereby making space appear to be more crowded and requiring more effort on the part of spacecraft operators to avoid collision.
Improving efficiencies within space safety systems will reduce risk and improve how efficiently we use space. However, understanding what data is needed, as well as recognising its quality and provenance, is hugely important in delivering accuracy. Data is not simple. Recognising both the quality and transparency of data is critical in calculating conjunction assessments; if we wish to improve the accuracy of system outcomes, we must create accuracy standards to ensure that the information fed into systems is suitable.
Managing the regulatory aspect of space governance has always raised political challenges. While costly, technology is available to create STCM systems that should be prioritised to improve efficiencies within space safety. For a truly extensive system, there needs to be a world-wide coordinated approach to the use of space. Delivering a global approach to STCM raises political challenges; hesitancy surrounding public services is to be expected. Additionally, a coordinated regulatory approach delivers its own challenges; a heavy-handed regulatory method could see entire countries withdraw from agreements altogether.
Striking a balance for everyone
Regulation is key in moving STCM discussions forward. There needs to be a regulatory agreement among nations to ensure that best practices of space use are adhered to. However, should this include the funding of STCM systems? And in what guise? The collaboration of public funding and the utilisation of a central private system could deliver a compromise to the political challenges being faced within data sharing. We know that private organisations have the capabilities to provide in-depth tracking, monitoring and data processing to mitigate in-orbit collisions. With so many aspects of life relying on the success of space, we must prioritise a light-touch regulatory method to managing space-use, as well as creating a cohesive approach to funding appropriate STCM systems. Without prioritising the space domain, we run the risk of severely limiting its potential; however, a global, sophisticated approach to regulation and the funding of STCM systems would elevate our use of space.
Mark Dickinson, SDA Director, was invited to discuss ‘Protecting the Space Domain: Challenges and Opportunities’ at an AMOS Commercial round table. Watch the full video.