Satellite-based communications, surveillance, intelligence, navigation and early warning systems are critical for military operations. However, both the continuous operation of satellite networks and the long-term sustainability of space are reliant on all satellites being able to operate safely. The risk of collisions with other satellites and orbital debris must therefore be minimised as much as possible. Yet, as the number of deployed satellites grows year-on-year, and the amount of objects in orbit also increases, this is becoming more challenging.
To protect satellites from collisions and ensure they are able to provide a continuous service, the satcom and milsatcom industry needs effective space situational awareness (SSA) systems in place. These systems provide satellite operators with an accurate and clear picture of where objects in space currently are, and where they’ll be in the near future. With this information, operators know in advance the likelihood of their satellite coming close to another object, so they can then decide what action to take, such as carrying out an avoidance manoeuvre.
What happens without space situational awareness?
Without space situational awareness, the risk of collisions in space would vastly increase and satellite networks would be unable to operate safely. If a satellite is involved in a collision, not only might the satellite directly involved in the collision be damaged or destroyed resulting in loss of service, but the impact the collision maybe be much more far reaching. A collision event could well result in the creation of a catastrophic volume of orbital debris which would further increase the risk of collisions to the point where space become too unsafe to operate in.
As mentioned, military operations rely on satellite connectivity for a whole host of defence capabilities, from troop coordination, intelligence gathering, to secure communication, so even a minor service disruption could have far-reaching consequences. Maintaining uninterrupted satellite connectivity is essential for mission success, so as was discussed at the Global Milsatcom conference last month, it’s critical that the milsatcom industry prioritises space situational awareness. What’s more, the growing density of satellites in space and the ever-increasing number of debris objects is only serving to raise the risk of in-orbit collisions, and so consequently, having effective SSA has become one of satcom and milsatcom’s most critical challenges.
Barriers to effective space situational awareness
Achieving reliable SSA is a complex task, made more difficult by the fragmented state of current systems. There is no centralised or universally accepted framework for tracking and managing space objects. Instead, various governments, military organisations, and private entities have developed their own systems, leading to discrepancies in data and predictions. Political and security concerns often restrict the sharing of operational data, with nations and commercial operators hesitant to disclose sensitive information. Additionally, the diverse algorithms and models used by different SSA providers can result in conflicting collision predictions, complicating decision-making for military satellite operators.
The complexities around space situational awareness are further complicated because we live in an era where warfare has extended to space. The defense industry must protect its space assets from active threats such as anti-satellite Weapons (ASATs), cyber-attacks, and jamming. As a result, military satellite operators may seek ways to evade these threats by countering detection, which makes SSA all the more complicated.
Addressing these challenges requires a coordinated approach among all spacefaring stakeholders. Sharing data between satellite operators and SSA service providers such as the Space Data Association is essential, but it must be done in a way that respects national security and commercial confidentiality. Developing secure and standardised methods for data exchange can bridge the gap between transparency and operational privacy.
Establishing best practices and operational guidelines is another crucial step. These measures can help standardise collision avoidance manoeuvres and improve coordination. However, voluntary actions alone may not be sufficient. In the long term, enforceable regulations will be necessary to ensure accountability and adherence to norms by all space players.
Protecting service provision and securing the future use of space
Space is a global common, in that it is a shared resource accessible by all nations, and its sustainable use therefore is a collective responsibility. Civil and military operators, satellite manufacturers, SSA providers, and policymakers must work together to develop solutions that balance security concerns with the need for collaboration. For the military, this cooperation is critical to protect its operational capabilities and ensure the long-term viability of the space environment.
Effective SSA is not just a technical challenge but a strategic imperative. For military operations, it is the key to maintaining the safety and functionality of space-based assets. By fostering international cooperation, improving data-sharing mechanisms, and working toward enforceable regulations, the military and other stakeholders can ensure satellites can operate safely and provide continuous service, while at the same time safeguarding the future use of space.
The Space Data Association works to enhance the safety of space flight via sharing of operational data and promotion of best practices across the industry. For more information, get in touch.