Jaedong Seong, Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI); Okchul Jung, Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI); Youeyun Jung, Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI); Saehan Song, Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI)
Keywords: Space Situational Awareness (SSA), Space Domain Awareness (SDA), Conjunction Data Message (CDM), Space Traffic Management (STM), Automated Space Information Processing, Collision Risk Assessment, Space Information Integration
Abstract:
The rapid advancement of the New Space era, marked by increased commercial space activities and mega-constellations, has led to unprecedented congestion in Earth’s orbital environment. This heightened space traffic raises concerns about potential physical collisions and radio frequency interference, necessitating robust space situational awareness capabilities. Traditional space information providers like the Combined Space Operations Center (CSpOC) have been joined by commercial entities such as LEOLABS, ShareMySpace, COMSPOC, and SAFRAN, generating massive amounts of orbital data around the clock. In 2023 alone, the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) received over 200,000 Conjunction Data Messages (CDMs) from CSpOC and LEOLABS for their operational satellites, highlighting the impossibility of manual data processing and analysis.
To address these challenges, we present VISION (Vigilant Integrated Space Information and mOnitoring Network), an integrated monitoring system designed to enhance the flight safety of space assets through automated space information digestion, processing and analysis. VISION comprises three main functional domains: space information management, analysis, and simulation. The system integrates various space information sources, including Two-Line Elements (TLE), CDMs, Satellite Catalog (SATCAT), and other specialized ephemeris and sensor data from multiple providers.
The space information management module efficiently processes and stores diverse data types, including orbital parameters, conjunction predictions, and space weather information. The analysis module incorporates comprehensive analytical capabilities, including collision risk assessment, orbit determination refinement, and maneuver detection. The simulation module enables visualization and prediction of various scenarios, supporting operational decision-making processes.
VISION implements several key features to ensure effective space situational awareness:
1) Automated data collection and processing from multiple sources
2) Real-time monitoring and alert systems for potential conjunctions
3) Integrated analysis of orbital parameters and space environment conditions
4) Advanced visualization of spatial relationships and predicted trajectories
5) Automated report generation and decision support functions
Currently operational at KARI, VISION demonstrates significant improvements in processing efficiency and risk assessment capabilities compared to manual analysis methods. The system successfully manages automated information flow from various sources and provides operational alerts for potential conjunction events requiring operator attention.
VISION’s modular architecture allows for continuous enhancement to address evolving space environment challenges. Future development plans include implementing machine learning algorithms for improved risk assessment, expanding international data exchange capabilities, and enhancing space weather impact analysis features.
This paper presents the system architecture, key functionalities, and initial operational results of VISION developed by KARI, demonstrating its effectiveness in supporting space asset protection in an increasingly congested orbital environment. The development of VISION represents a significant step forward in automated space situational awareness capabilities, particularly for space-faring nations managing multiple satellites in increasingly crowded orbits.
Date of Conference: September 16-19, 2025
Track: Space Domain Awareness