A Transformative Dual-Layer Architecture for Global Space Traffic Management

The exponential expansion of space activities, propelled by mega-constellations, human spaceflight, and cis-lunar missions, has precipitated an urgent crisis of orbital congestion, collision risk, and debris proliferation. Current space traffic management (STM) systems, fragmented across national jurisdictions and relying on voluntary coordination, lack scalability, interoperability, and enforceable norms. This paper proposes a dual-layer architecture: the Interstellar Governance Administration (IGA) as an UN-affiliated body establishing binding international standards for orbital access, debris mitigation, and equitable participation; and the Space Operations and Deconfliction Center (SODC) as a neutral operational hub leveraging AI-driven predictive analytics, federated sensor networks, quantum-secured communications, and blockchain-based data integrity. Grounded in Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and inspired by, but decisively adapted from, terrestrial air traffic management, this framework integrates policy authority with next-generation Space Domain Awareness (SDA) to ensure safe, sustainable, and inclusive operations. By harmonizing centralized oversight with decentralized autonomy, the IGA-SODC model democratizes access for emerging space nations while enabling real-time, verifiable compliance, securing Earth’s orbital commons as a resilient, shared domain for all humanity.