Shifting Institutional Roles in the Space Situational Awareness and Space Domain Awareness Sector

Abstract Rapid growth in space activity has increased the need for space situational awareness (SSA)—information about the current and predicted future location of spacecraft in orbit. This capability can be used to predict and avoid unintentional collisions and is critical for spaceflight safety and sustainability. Space domain awareness (SDA) focuses on monitoring and understanding potential threats and underpins space deterrence, space security, and stability. Like many sectors in the new space economy, SSA and SDA have traditionally been the province of governments, but over the past decade commercial activity in this sector has grown rapidly. This chapter examines these evolving institutional roles and considers the proper functions of public and private actors in this critical sector. The chapter suggests both governments and private actors have important roles to play, with governments underpinning key global safety and security services, while commercial firms contribute to resilience, innovation, and value-added services.