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Space is becoming increasingly crowded. As satellites multiply and space debris accumulates, managing orbital traffic has emerged as one of the most pressing challenges facing the international space community. The United States, through the Department of Commerce, is actively developing a civilian-led framework to manage this growing risk. One of the central initiatives in this effort is the Traffic Coordination System for Space (TraCSS), spearheaded by the Office of Space Commerce.
This article reviews the latest updates to TraCSS, highlights the growing international and commercial collaboration surrounding space traffic management, and explains how this initiative fits into broader efforts to ensure safe and sustainable use of Earth’s orbits. The discussion focuses on the recent update from the Office of Space Commerce, which outlines how TraCSS is expanding its engagement with global stakeholders and what that means for the evolving space ecosystem.
The TraCSS Initiative
TraCSS was conceived as a civilian-led space traffic coordination system intended to provide timely and accurate information about objects in orbit. The system builds upon existing data collected by the United States Space Command, which currently handles collision warnings and space situational awareness (SSA) services. While the military continues to operate the Space Surveillance Network, TraCSS represents a shift in responsibility to civilian authorities for services intended primarily for non-military users.
The core objectives of TraCSS are to:
- Offer a transparent and accessible space traffic coordination service.
- Promote global collaboration on orbital safety.
- Serve the needs of commercial, civil, and international satellite operators.
- Encourage the sharing of data and best practices across the space sector.
TraCSS is envisioned as part of a broader international effort to improve safety, prevent collisions, and maintain access to space for future generations.
Growing Challenges in Orbital Traffic
The operational environment in Earth orbit is rapidly changing. Satellite constellations like Starlink, OneWeb, and Kuiperare deploying thousands of satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO). The trend is accelerating, with multiple governments and private companies around the world launching spacecraft at an unprecedented rate.
This proliferation increases the risk of collisions, radio frequency interference, and the creation of space debris. Events like the 2009 collision between an Iridium satellite and a defunct Kosmos spacecraft underscore the consequences of unmanaged orbital traffic. Space debris, once generated, can persist for decades and threaten other assets in orbit.
The need for accurate tracking, early warnings, and coordinated avoidance maneuvers is now a shared concern. Traditional military-run systems, while highly capable, are not ideally suited for the demands of a fast-growing commercial and civil space sector that requires transparent and user-friendly tools. TraCSS is designed to fill this gap.
U.S. Space Policy Directive-3
TraCSS is part of the United States’ implementation of Space Policy Directive-3 (SPD-3), which calls for a transition of civil space traffic management responsibilities from the Department of Defense to the Department of Commerce. SPD-3 lays out the policy foundation for modernizing SSA capabilities, strengthening orbital safety norms, and developing international cooperation.
The Office of Space Commerce is charged with establishing the TraCSS system as a central hub for civilian traffic coordination, integrating data from multiple sources, and providing open services to satellite operators. It represents a major shift in how the United States supports the space economy through regulatory and technical infrastructure.
International and Commercial Collaboration
A key feature of TraCSS is its commitment to building an inclusive and cooperative model that serves global stakeholders. The latest update highlights efforts to engage with both international partners and commercial satellite operators through a series of events, partnerships, and pilot programs.
Space-Track Transition
Currently, many satellite operators use services provided through the Space-Track.org portal, which is maintained by the U.S. military. TraCSS is intended to gradually take over this role for civil users, offering a comparable or improved set of capabilities in a civilian-managed environment.
The transition is being handled with care to maintain continuity and ensure stakeholders are supported during the change. The Office of Space Commerce is actively reaching out to users of Space-Track to understand their needs and prepare for a smooth handoff.
TraCSS Open Architecture and APIs
TraCSS is being designed as an open and extensible platform that can integrate data from multiple providers. The architecture supports the use of application programming interfaces (APIs) to allow third-party tools, analytics platforms, and spacecraft operators to connect directly with TraCSS data streams.
This design allows the system to scale efficiently, incorporate international data sources, and accommodate new services as orbital traffic management evolves. The open architecture also supports transparency and fosters trust among stakeholders.
Industry Engagement
The Office of Space Commerce has been conducting regular engagements with commercial operators, industry groups, and data providers. These discussions help shape TraCSS to ensure it reflects real-world requirements and offers practical benefits.
Commercial satellite companies are both contributors and beneficiaries of the TraCSS framework. Many companies already operate their own SSA systems, and TraCSS provides a central coordination mechanism to align these efforts. Topics under discussion include data formats, service levels, latency, maneuver coordination, and notification protocols.
International Partners
TraCSS is not being developed in isolation. The Office of Space Commerce is coordinating with counterparts in Europe, Asia, and elsewhere to ensure that TraCSS is interoperable with global space traffic systems. By aligning protocols and sharing best practices, TraCSS supports the creation of a broader international network for orbital safety.
Efforts include discussions with the European Union Space Surveillance and Tracking (EU SST), United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), and other entities focused on building capacity for space safety.
Recent Events Highlighting Progress
In its latest update, the Office of Space Commerce described several major developments that underscore the growing footprint of TraCSS and its role in shaping the future of orbital coordination.
39th Space Symposium
TraCSS was prominently featured at the 39th Space Symposium, a global gathering of space leaders held in Colorado Springs. The event provided a platform for showcasing TraCSS progress, engaging stakeholders, and receiving feedback from across the space sector.
Presentations and panel discussions included previews of upcoming TraCSS services, user interface demonstrations, and collaborative planning sessions with international delegations. These interactions are helping guide technical and policy development for the next phase of TraCSS implementation.
Space Safety Pilot Programs
TraCSS is supporting pilot programs that test space safety tools, collision warning protocols, and data-sharing mechanisms. These pilots involve real-world operational scenarios and provide valuable lessons on how to design effective coordination tools.
One area of focus is low Earth orbit, where large satellite constellations are operating at high density. TraCSS is helping develop predictive capabilities for potential conjunctions and tools for shared deconfliction planning. By analyzing pilot results, the Office of Space Commerce is refining its operational playbook.
User Needs Workshops
To tailor TraCSS capabilities to the diverse user base, a series of workshops have been conducted with stakeholders from the commercial, academic, and international communities. These workshops provide direct feedback on features, priorities, and expectations.
Participants have included satellite operators, launch providers, SSA data companies, space insurance underwriters, and legal experts. The resulting dialogue has informed decisions on what services TraCSS should offer at launch and how it should evolve over time.
TraCSS Service Features
As the system matures, TraCSS is expected to deliver a suite of services that address the growing needs of the space economy. These services are being designed to operate with high reliability, global accessibility, and user-focused functionality.
Conjunction Notifications
TraCSS will issue automated alerts when a potential close approach between two orbiting objects is detected. These conjunction notifications will be based on validated tracking data and will include confidence assessments to help operators evaluate risk.
The service will also support maneuver coordination by enabling secure communication between affected parties and offering data products that support decision-making.
Ephemeris Validation
Satellite operators submit orbital data—known as ephemeris—for collision analysis. TraCSS will offer tools to validate this data, identify inconsistencies, and ensure it meets accuracy standards. This supports safer operations and reduces the likelihood of false alerts.
Reentry Forecasting
As satellites and debris reenter the atmosphere, accurate forecasting of their path is important for public safety. TraCSS will include reentry prediction tools to assess where and when objects are likely to reenter and provide updates to relevant authorities.
Debris Tracking and Analysis
While collision avoidance is a primary focus, TraCSS will also support debris monitoring. The system will ingest data from telescopes, radars, and other sensors to track non-operational objects, assess long-term debris evolution, and identify high-risk regions in orbit.
Integration with Commercial and Government Systems
TraCSS is not intended to replace commercial SSA services or national space agencies’ tools. Instead, it serves as a backbone coordination layer that complements existing capabilities.
Private SSA companies can connect to TraCSS via APIs to enhance their products with official conjunction data. Government space agencies can share national sensor data to improve TraCSS tracking accuracy. Launch providers can use TraCSS data to plan trajectories and reduce risk.
This collaborative model supports interoperability and promotes a more resilient global space traffic ecosystem.
Data Governance and Privacy
A major concern in space safety coordination is the handling of sensitive data. Satellite operators often consider their orbital paths, maneuver strategies, and spacecraft status proprietary. TraCSS is being designed with data privacy and security in mind.
Users will retain control over their submitted data, and TraCSS will offer secure channels for sharing sensitive information during maneuver planning. Open data policies will be applied selectively, balancing transparency with operational security.
Supporting the Space Economy
TraCSS is a foundational element of the growing space economy. By reducing collision risks and improving operational predictability, it lowers insurance costs, enables tighter orbital slot usage, and boosts investor confidence.
In sectors such as Earth observation, telecommunications, navigation, and national defense, reliable access to space is essential. TraCSS supports these sectors by helping ensure that satellite operators can plan, launch, and operate with fewer disruptions from orbital hazards.
Future Directions
The Office of Space Commerce continues to refine TraCSS through testing, user engagement, and technology integration. Upcoming milestones include:
- Launch of an initial public data portal with space object tracking information.
- Expansion of TraCSS service coverage to include higher altitudes such as medium Earth orbit and geostationary orbit.
- Deeper integration with launch tracking systems to support coordination during spacecraft deployment.
- Ongoing alignment with international SSA initiatives to promote global standards.
Summary
TraCSS represents a significant development in global efforts to manage space traffic and improve orbital safety. By shifting the responsibility for civil space traffic management to the Department of Commerce, the United States is building a more accessible, transparent, and cooperative framework for space coordination.
The system is evolving through active collaboration with commercial industry, international partners, and civil society. Its architecture is designed for flexibility, scale, and user trust. As satellite traffic grows and space becomes increasingly congested, TraCSS provides a vital capability for ensuring the safe and sustainable use of Earth’s orbits. It reflects a shift toward shared stewardship of space as a global commons, supporting innovation, economic development, and long-term space sustainability.
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