Navigating the complexities of future space traffic: An influx of smaller satellites and augmented threats
The traditional space traffic monitoring system, run by the Space Force, is under increasing strain due to the growing numbers of smaller satellites in orbit and the rising threats in the space domain. To address this issue, the Space Force is proposing to transfer the Space Traffic Management (STM) mission from its Space Operations Command (SpOC) to the civilian Office of Space Commerce (OSC). This transition aims to alleviate the military of the growing burden of civilian space traffic coordination and better integrate commercial, international, and satellite operator data sources for improved orbital determination and collision warnings.
Key points on this transition and STM status:
- The transfer aligns with Space Policy Directive-3 (SPD-3) from the Trump administration, which aims to relieve the military of the growing burden of civilian space traffic coordination and better integrate commercial, international, and satellite operator data sources for improved orbital determination and collision warnings.
- The Office of Space Commerce is developing the Traffic Coordination System for Space (TraCSS) to handle civilian space traffic coordination more effectively. TraCSS is intended to consolidate multiple data sources—military, commercial, and international—into a shared database using advanced algorithms, producing more accurate tracking and collision avoidance.
- The transition allows Space Force units to focus on their primary defense missions, especially as the space domain becomes more contested by adversaries, rather than managing routine collision warnings.
- TraCSS was in beta testing by late 2024 and planned to be fully operational by January 2026, providing space safety services to all satellite operators with collaboration from industry stakeholders.
- However, there is significant concern and opposition from Space Force and the space industry regarding proposed drastic budget cuts (nearly 85%) to the Office of Space Commerce in fiscal year 2026, threatening the viability of TraCSS and forcing a potential fallback to the Space Force for managing space traffic.
- Industry groups, including SpaceX and Blue Origin, emphasize that without a well-funded OSC and TraCSS, risks to satellites will increase, raising costs and potentially pushing commercial operators overseas. They argue that the Department of Defense is not optimized for the volume and complexity of collision warnings needed today, as its infrastructure is focused on threat detection rather than routine traffic management.
- Companies like Slingshot Aerospace have been contracted to support TraCSS development, including improving user interfaces and addressing gaps in tracking newly launched satellites, highlighting ongoing efforts to refine civilian STM capabilities.
In summary, the planned civilianization of space traffic management through OSC’s TraCSS offers a strategic solution to growing space congestion and threats, but its success is jeopardized by funding cuts that could delay or derail this transition, potentially returning STM responsibilities to the overloaded Space Force.
- The Space Force is considering the transfer of the Space Traffic Management (STM) mission from its Space Operations Command (SpOC) to the civilian Office of Space Commerce (OSC), as a means to address the growing burden of civilian space traffic coordination.
- The Office of Space Commerce is constructing the Traffic Coordination System for Space (TraCSS) to handle civilian space traffic more efficaciously, integrating multiple data sources from military, commercial, and international entities for improved orbital determination and collision warnings.
- The transfer of STM responsibilities to the OSC is aligned with Space Policy Directive-3 (SPD-3) from the Trump administration, which aims to relieve the military of this burden and optimize space safety services.
- TraCSS was expected to be fully operational by January 2026, providing space safety services to satellite operators, yet significant budget cuts to the Office of Space Commerce in fiscal year 2026 pose a threat to the success and timely execution of TraCSS, potentially forcing a fallback to the Space Force for space traffic management.
- Despite the potential funding concerns, private companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Slingshot Aerospace are actively supporting TraCSS development, working to refine civilian STM capabilities and ensure the growth and safety of the aerospace industry.
