Artem Mokhnatkin, Keldysh Institute of Applied Mathematics
Keywords: SSA, Data Sharing, Federated Nodal Database, Decentralized Data Sharing, ISON, International Organization, Space Sustainability
Abstract:
A core component of the ISON (International Scientific Optical Network) initiative of Keldysh Institute of Applied Mathematics of the Russian Academy of Sciences (the Keldysh Institute) is a network of optical small-aperture telescopes, which currently has about 15 sites worldwide hosted and operated with the participation of the Keldysh Institute as well as of other domestic and foreign research and educational organizations based on agreements on scientific and technical cooperation. This approach has proven effective for the rapid development of an extensive network of geographically distributed telescopes enabling coverage of the entire GEO protected region for a relatively small investment within the realm of possibility for small-scale research projects. In addition to just gathering data on anthropogenic space objects in Earth orbit and sharing them to varying extents with partner organizations, one of the advantages is that ISON may draw institutions with different levels of expertise in the area to various modalities of mutually beneficial cooperation.
However, ISON and ISON-like initiatives seem unable to compete in terms of performance with entities that employ a centralized and hierarchical organizational structure for obtaining data on anthropogenic space objects. Several rapidly developing private enterprises applying similar solutions for SSA in MEO, HEO, and GEO based on ground-based passive optical observations but centrally managing all their observation facilities have already outperformed ISON in the number of telescopes in operation and, presumably, some of them in the amount of useful information obtained using the individual telescope of the network.
On the other hand, given the polycentric nature of outer space governance, that most likely will continue to be the case in the foreseeable future, ISON and similar projects may play an essential niche role in ensuring the long-term sustainability of outer space activities. The presentation will provide an overview of the current status of the ISON initiative and related projects, and the advantages and disadvantages of such a model in the context of the rising contribution of private actors in the field of SSA.
A separate section will focus on the idea of sharing SSA data by means of a federated nodal database network within the framework of a consortium under the auspices of one of the concerned international organizations. This section will address possible reasons that necessitate a decentralized component in sharing SSA data to increase the efficiency of outer space polycentric governance, along with common factors affecting sharing of SSA data. The given concept does not envision the consortium to be a part of ISON. Meanwhile, some of its features may resemble ISON, its implementation may bolster ISON and similar projects, and they, in return, may strengthen the consortium’s position through data they provide within the framework thereof. This part of the presentation will also examine possible approaches to add-on services that might be provided within this data-sharing framework for facilitating inclusiveness in contributing to an SSA data pool by research and educational organizations from developing countries. The related paper will include draft terms of reference of the consortium in question.
Date of Conference: September 19-22, 2023
Track: SDA Systems & Instrumentation