Mariusz Slonina, Polish Space Agency; Agnieszka Gurgul, Nicolaus Copernicus University; Michal Drzal, Sybilla Technologies; Antoni Wojtala, Polish Space Agency; Mikolaj Kruzynski, Polish Space Agency; Tomasz Zubowicz, Polish Space Agency
https://doi.org/10.64861/LBVR6754
Keywords: Tracking Data Message (TDM), Optical observations, Standarization, SSA Operations, Data exchange
Abstract:
Space Situational Awareness / Space Domain Awareness (SSA/SDA) operations increasingly depend on ground-based optical tracking to build and maintain catalogs, support conjunction assessment, characterize non‑cooperative objects, and provide national authorities time‑critical re‑entry information to help protect civilians and infrastructure. Yet the operational exchange of optical measurements remains inconsistent across networks: the same observation may be delivered as angles, image‑derived products, or bespoke formats with partial context, making automated ingestion, weighting, and correlation at SSA operations centers difficult. This paper targets that gap by proposing an operational “optical observation profile” for the CCSDS Tracking Data Message (TDM) that stays fully within the current standard while improving day‑to‑day interoperability through ICD‑ready conventions.
In recent years, CCSDS TDM v2.0 has been increasingly adopted by the optical tracking community. The goal of this work is to revise how the standard is used for optical observation exchange—not to change the normative TDM syntax—by defining a practical, implementable set of rules that remove ambiguities in measurement delivery to operating centers (OCs). The central idea is to use TDM as the authoritative carrier for tracking observables and to use an Interface Control Document (ICD), consistent with TDM’s deployment model, and specify operationally validated metadata and options, suitable for continuous 24/7 operations. The intended result is a deterministic interface between optical data providers and SSA operations centers that supports automation without constraining providers’ internal processing pipelines.
This paper takes an operations‑driven approach. First, we identify common gaps observed in optical SSA data exchange (such as implicit conventions, missing frame/time declarations). Second, we map these gaps to ICD requirements that can be expressed using existing TDM constructs: header information, per‑segment metadata, and time‑tagged tracking data records (including comments when needed for implementation notes). Third, we specify a minimal “optical metadata set” including normative ICD conventions for optical angles, mandatory declaration of time system and reference frame and origin, segmentation rules that separate objects, passes, and system configuration. Those can be used in machine‑checkable quality‑control rules (mandatory fields, value ranges, and consistency checks) so operations centers can implement automated acceptance tests, rapid triage, and structured feedback to providers.
We provide practical extension and examples that remain within the standard and are directly relevant to SSA/SDA operations, including message patterns for augmenting angle tracks with SSA‑relevant ancillary observables (e.g., optical magnitude where available) and a “minimum viable” ICD template that organizations can adopt with minimal negotiation overhead. Expected outcomes include improved interoperability between optical networks and SSA operations centers, reduced sensor onboarding time, fewer interface‑specific parsers, and operator errors, while orbit determination and correlation processes can be driven by consistent input coming from optical stations. The proposed profile is designed with existing systems in-mind, yet streamlining data delivery process.
The operational motivation and requirements are derived from continuous SSA operations performed by the Polish Space Agency’s SSA Operations Centre, which routinely monitors time‑critical events such as re‑entries and perform data fusion/analysis of non‑cooperative space objects based on 24/7 data exchange with multiple globally distributed commercial and institutional optical networks.
Date of Conference: September 15-18, 2026
Track: Space Domain Awareness