Purin Tanirat, Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA); Sittiporn Channumsin, Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA); Suwat Sreesawet, Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA); Setthanun Thongsuwan, Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA); Keerati Puttasuwan, Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA); Phasawee Saingyen, Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA); Borirak Kitrattana, Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA); Yodyium Tipsuwan, Kasetsart University
Keywords: space situational awareness; SSA; space debris; orbit determination, STM, STC
Abstract:
With the increasing risks posed by resident space objects (RSOs), including operational satellites and space debris, the ability to accurately track and predict orbits has become crucial for collision avoidance and overall space safety. To mitigate these risks and ensure the safe operation of space assets, the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) has been tasked with developing and operating a comprehensive space safety and security framework to support national and regional needs.
GISTDA has designed an architecture of integrated space safety and security operations, comprising three key components: Space Situational Awareness (SSA), Space Traffic Management (STM), and Space Weather Forecasting (SWF). Since 2019, GISTDA has been fully operating its STM system, ZIRCON, to provide real-time tracking and collision avoidance services while the SWF system, JASPER, supports space operations by monitoring solar activities and their potential impact on satellite communications and navigation. To further enhance SSA component, GISTDA is developing GARNET, which focuses on advanced orbit determination algorithms, accuracy validation using high-precision coordinate data, and the automation of SSA sensor networks for seamless integration with existing space operations.
This paper presents the system architecture of GISTDA’s space safety and security operations, detailing the integration of SSA, STM, and SWF systems. It highlights the current capabilities of ZIRCON and GARNET, emphasizing prioritized space object tracking derived from conjunction screening, and demonstrates how GISTDA’s in-house tracking capabilities help fill critical gaps in support of satellite operations. Finally, the paper outlines the future plans for establishing a regional space traffic coordination framework in ASEAN to enhance collective space safety and security.
Date of Conference: September 16-19, 2025
Track: Space Domain Awareness