Space Situational Awareness Fact Sheet
Space situational awareness (SSA) is the ability to accurately characterize the space environment and activities in space. Civil SSA combines positional information on the trajectory of objects in orbit (mainly using optical telescopes and radars) with information on space weather. Military and national security SSA applications also include characterizing objects in space, their capabilities and limitations, and potential threats, contributing to broader Space Security efforts.
SSA is an inherently international and cooperative venture. It requires a network of globally distributed sensors as well as data sharing between satellite owner-operators and sensor networks, supporting effective International Space Cooperation and Space Governance. SSA also forms the foundation of Space Sustainability as it enables safe and efficient space operations and promotes stability by reducing mishaps, misperceptions, and mistrust, and plays a key role in advancing Space Traffic Management.
