How NewSpace is enabling sustainability and Space Traffic Management.

The origins of Space Situational Awareness

One of the earliest examples of SSA was Project Space Track, established by the United States Air Force in the 1950s. This project used ground-based telescopes and radar systems to track the orbits of artificial satellites and other objects in space. Moreover, the data was also used to detect ballistic missiles during the Cold War era. Over time, the capabilities of these systems improved, and more and more objects were added to the tracking list.

In the 1960s, the United States and the Soviet Union both individually established space surveillance networks to track objects in space. These networks used ground-based radars and telescopes to detect and track objects, and they were able to track thousands of them in orbit.

The modern SSA landscape

Today, space situational awareness and space surveillance and tracking are much more complex and sophisticated fields, with a wide range of sensors and tracking systems used to detect, track, and identify objects in space. These systems still predominantly employ ground-based telescopes and radar systems, with new technologies such as laser ranging and orbital sensors slowly coming into play.

The history of SSA is a tale of technological innovation and international cooperation, as different countries and organisations have worked together to improve our understanding of the space environment and ensure the safe and responsible use of space.

The NewSpace role

The NewSpace industry is reshaping this landscape. Commercial companies are now contributing sensor networks, data processing capabilities, and analytical tools that were previously the exclusive domain of government agencies. This democratisation of SSA data is accelerating the development of Space Traffic Management as a practical, operational discipline rather than a research area.

At OKAPI:Orbits, we are part of this shift, combining advanced analytical methods with AI-driven platforms to make SSA data actionable for satellite operators of all sizes. From conjunction risk assessment to maneuver coordination to end-of-life compliance, the tools that once required agency-level resources are now available to any operator with a mission to protect.

Explore our newsroom for more in-depth articles and resources on the latest developments in space situational awareness and space traffic management.