At the Advanced Maui Optical Surveillance (AMOS) Conference, a joint paper was released by the Office of Space Commerce (OSC) and the European Union (EU). The paper compares the services offered by OSC’s Traffic Coordination System for Space (TraCSS) and the EU Space Surveillance and Tracking (EU SST).
This collaborative study highlights how both TraCSS and EU SST, working with the commercial Space Situational Awareness (SSA) sector, are dedicated to providing free SSA services to spacecraft operators globally. The aim is to significantly reduce the risk of collisions in orbit. Experts from both programs conducted the paper compares to thoroughly examine the similarities and differences between these crucial systems.
Key Similarities in Collision Avoidance Services
The paper compares the core functionalities and reveals a strong alignment between TraCSS and EU SST, especially in their collision avoidance services. As detailed in the comparison summary table, both systems offer routine screening of catalogs and operator-owned ephemerides, along with Collision Data Message (CDM) production. They both excel in risk assessment, detection, and notification of high-interest and emergency events. Furthermore, both provide additional tracking for primary and secondary objects, basic Collision Avoidance Maneuver (CAM) options, candidate CAM screening, and direct dialogue with operators for critical events.
Notable Differences in Service Availability
While the paper compares many overlapping capabilities, it also points out some key differences. Currently, EU SST does not offer contact information or satellite attribute details, whereas TraCSS does. Similarly, TraCSS provides operator-owned ephemerides with planned maneuvers and a catalog of space objects, services slated for future phases in EU SST. Notably, TraCSS currently offers candidate maneuver screening and spacecraft anomaly reporting, which are not yet available through EU SST. Reentry monitoring is a current service of EU SST but is planned for a future phase in TraCSS.
Future Developments and Enhanced Collaboration
Looking ahead, the paper compares potential future service expansions for both systems. Launch collision avoidance is under consideration for both, with improved operator ephemerides also in development. Interestingly, space weather information and atmospheric drag models are being considered for TraCSS, while a traffic coordination platform as a service is a future possibility for both. This joint effort and the paper compares itself underscore a commitment to increased transparency and collaboration within the growing space sector. Both teams are dedicated to ongoing partnerships to bolster space safety and ensure long-term sustainability in space. International cooperation, as emphasized in the Office of Space Commerce’s Vision for Global SSA Collaboration, is crucial for enhancing data consistency, coverage, and transparency in SSA services.
The joint paper, officially titled “A Technical Comparison of the Public SSA Services in the United States and the European Union,” marks a significant step towards this global vision. For a deeper dive, you can view the full paper (PDF). Further insights were also presented by Dr. Mariel Borowitz at AMOS on September 19, 2024, and the presentation is available for viewing (PDF). To learn more about TraCSS, visit TraCSS official page.
