Bhavya Lal, IDA Science and Technology Policy Institute, Sara A. Carioscia, IDA Science and Technology Policy Institute
Keywords: SSA, STM, civil SSA, commercial SSA, commercial space
Abstract:
In recent years, the number of active satellites and human-made orbital space debris has increased dramatically. An expansion of activities in space, as is currently being proposed by many commercial and international entities, is expected to further exacerbate this challenge. The 18th Space Control Squadron under the Department of Defense (DOD) United States Strategic Command provides space situational awareness (SSA) services to users outside the national security community at no cost. International and commercial users demand better SSA service than is currently feasible, and the demand comes at a time when DOD is under pressure to better prepare for and respond to growing space-based threats to national security. Concerned about the possibility of overextending across conflicting missions in a fiscally constrained environment, some DOD officials have publicly noted a desire to move SSA services not related to national security out of DOD purview.
Date of Conference: September 19-22, 2017
Track: Space Situational Awareness