SDA Picks GMV to Upgrade Global Space Traffic Platform Amidst Orbital Congestion
The Space Data Association (SDA) has chosen Spanish technology provider GMV to upgrade and operate its global space traffic coordination platform starting early next year. This move comes amidst increasing orbital congestion and collision risks, with over 700 satellites contributing data to the Space Safety Portal (SSP).
The current service is managed by U.S. space situational awareness (SSA) specialist ComSpOC, but GMV will take over due to the growing need for enhanced capabilities. The upgraded SSP will introduce new features such as synthetic covariance generation, non-cooperative operator mitigation, open architecture for integrated data, and enhanced cybersecurity. GMV, a renowned provider in SSA and space traffic management, has been supplying technologies to the European Space Agency (ESA), European Union (EU), and various commercial operators.
The SDA, a non-profit operator-founded entity, aims to be a low-barrier entry point for operators to engage in space traffic coordination, requiring membership and data sharing. Its long-term goal is to act as a data coordinator and innovation hub, fusing information from all SSA providers for global space traffic coordination. The SSP, created in 2009, provides conjunction assessment and warning services using flight dynamics information from SDA members and public sources.
The upgrade and operation of the SSP by GMV is timely, as the U.S. Traffic Coordination System for Space (TraCSS) faces budget cuts. With GMV's expertise and the SDA's unique safeguards for sensitive data, the global space traffic coordination platform will be better equipped to handle the growing number of satellites and ensure the safety and sustainability of space operations.
