The US Space Surveillance Network (SSN), operated by the US Space Force, consists of over 30 ground-based sensors including phased array and mechanical tracking radars, as well as electro-optical telescopes. It also includes space-based assets such as the Space-Based Space Surveillance (SBSS) satellite in low Earth orbit, the Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program (GSSAP) satellites in geosynchronous orbit, and the Canadian Sapphire satellite. The SSN tracks and catalogues over 27,000 space objects.
Prerequisites:
• Access to Space Debris Awareness (SDA) data,
• Capability to process, integrate and analyse SDA data
• National space policy/strategy with clear lead agency and budget line
• Legal basis: space activities act, licensing framework, liability & registration, export controls
• Spectrum policy & coordination with telecom regulator; ITU procedures where applicable
• Procurement rules and funding vehicle (grant/PPP/sovereign program)
• Cybersecurity, data protection, and continuity planning
• Human capital plan (training, scholarships, retention) and partnering MOUs (academia/industry)
• Spectrum allocation
• Environmental & safety approvals
• Skilled ops team
Cost:
• Ballpark: USD 10M–80M (depending on scope and extent of ground/space assets) + USD 5M–25M/yr (OPEX)
• Includes: data fusion and processing centres, integration of domestic and international data feeds, modelling and prediction tools for conjunction analysis and debris mitigation, staffing and training, establishment of international data-sharing frameworks, and long-term R&D on active debris removal
Timeframe:
• Overall 18-36 months:
• Phase: scoping & partnership formation (2–9 mo), infrastructure development (4–12 mo), integration & operationalisation of data platform (8–15 mo), continuous expansion and upgrades (ongoing)
Pros:
• Internal Development - Builds local capabilities
• Non-dependence - Fosters independence
Considerations:
• Investment Intensive - Can require significant investment
• Need for Expertise - Requires high levels of expertise and coordination