Abstract:
Space operations rely on accurate awareness of all resident space objects, yet current catalogs face significant gaps due to sensor limitations, incomplete data sharing, and the growing diversity of objects in orbit. Key technical challenges include positional uncertainty, maneuver detection, covariance quality, and the difficulty of maintaining reliable tracking in regimes such as LEO, high-eccentricity crossings, and GEO. Rapid increases in launch activity, debris-generating events, and large constellations further stress catalog completeness and predictive accuracy. Advances in data fusion, standardized formats, dedicated observations, and improved orbit determination methods have shown measurable improvement in conjunction assessment and safety-of-flight analyses. Collaborative frameworks such as SOCRATES, the Space Data Association, and commercial systems like COMSPOC demonstrate pathways toward more precise ephemerides, trusted analytics, and operational STM support. Sustained progress depends on integrating authoritative data sources, expanding sensor networks, refining propagation algorithms, and ensuring transparent, timely delivery of actionable products for global space operators.
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Vallado, D.A., “SSA/STM and you!,” University of Arizona guest lecture, AGI SSA Initiative Project CoSTAR - Commercial SSA Technology for Academic Research, 7 Nov 2019, accessible at https://comspoc.com/Resources/Content/Private/C-20220425T180840/Presentation/20191107_SSA_STM_and_You_Univ_of_Ariz_Guest_Lecture_Vallado.show.pdf.
