Office of Space Commerce’s Post

Space domain awareness remains a priority for Japan’s Space Operations Group, Col. Yuka Nakazato, Japanese Embassy air and space attaché, said July 31 at the AIAA ASCEND conference here. Japan’s Space Operations Group is establishing a unit focused on space domain awareness under the command of a general. Japan’s first space domain awareness satellite remains on track to launch in 2026. And Japan is renaming its Air Self Defense Course the Air and Space Self Defense Course. “As space system become become increasingly vital for security, economic and social activities, it is imperative to address the growing threats and risks such as counterspace capabilities and space debris,” Nakazato said. Japan’s Air Self-Defense Force established the Space Operations Group in 2022. Since then, Japan has expanded national space capabilities and forged close ties with allies, Nakazato said. Japan’s space domain awareness constellation will include sensors delivered by the U.S. Space Force. The sensors, part of a U.S.-Japan cooperative program called Quasi-Zenith Satellite System Hosted Payload, were designed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Lincoln Laboratory to keep tabs on spacecraft and debris in geosynchronous orbit. In late 2023, Japan joined the Combined Space Operations initiative, a multinational partnership focused on strengthening cooperation and capabilities for joint military operations. Italy and Norway joined the organization, known as CSpO, at the same time. The U.S. led CSpO already included Australia, Canada, France, Germany, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. To address space debris and responsible space activity, Japan also is participating in discussions and working groups of the United Nation’s Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, or COPUOS. “Existing international agreement do not have any direct provisions prohibiting the destruction of objects in space or refraining from actions that cause or trigger space debris,” Nakazato said. Since COPUOS includes China and Russia, “I look forward to future discussions on the military front,” Nakazato said. #SDA #Japan #COPUOS #QuasiZenith Japan's Quasi-Zenith Satellite System is designed to enhance the Global Positioning System's position, navigation and timing information over Japan. Quasi-Zenith satellites will carry hosted payloads developed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Lincoln Laboratory. (Japan National Space Secretariat screenshot)

🚀 Unraveling the Mysteries of Space Force Acquisitions 🛰️ The United States Space Force (USSF) is propelling our nation's space capabilities to new heights through three key acquisition organizations: Space Rapid Capabilities Office (Space RCO), Space Systems Command (SSC), and Space Development Agency (SDA). Let's explore their unique roles and contributions to advancing space technologies. 🌌 🛠️ Space Rapid Capabilities Office (Space RCO): Bringing agility and innovation to the forefront, Space RCO focuses on delivering operationally dominant space capabilities at the speed of warfighting relevance. With a streamlined structure and a short chain-of-command, Space RCO takes measured risks to develop and swiftly deliver prototypes to USSF. Their goal? Empowering the USSF with cutting-edge technologies to maintain a competitive edge. 🚀 Space Systems Command (SSC): As the powerhouse behind developing, acquiring, and fielding lethal and resilient space capabilities, SSC plays a pivotal role in shaping the USSF's operational readiness. Organized into five program executive offices, SSC oversees crucial aspects such as assured access to space, communications, positioning, navigation & timing, space sensing, and battle management. SSC ensures our warfighters have the tools they need to dominate in the space domain. 🌐 Space Development Agency (SDA): Recently transferred to USSF, SDA is on a mission to build a proliferated low Earth orbit (LEO) constellation. This constellation, focused initially on missile tracking and SATCOM connectivity, aims to rapidly enhance the joint warfighter's capabilities. Unlike other USSF acquisition organizations, SDA sets its own policies, retains decision-making authority, and operates with the goal of quickly delivering space-based capabilities to support terrestrial missions. The USSF's acquisition ecosystem, comprising Space RCO's speed, SSC's resilience, and SDA's innovation, underscores our commitment to staying at the forefront of space technology. These organizations collectively drive advancements that secure our nation's interests in an ever-evolving space domain. 🛰️💪 What questions do you have about USSF space systems acqusitions? #USSF #SpaceAcquisition #InnovationInSpace

You remember this video? MPC for satellite collision prediction? https://lnkd.in/dmYf6AwC See below for the sequel.

🛰 Our 2023 recap of Space Situational Awareness (SSA) and Space Traffic Management (STM) is now live! Here are some highlights from this year: 1- The Federal Communications Commission issued its first fine for an anti-space debris rule violation. 2- The House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology introduced legislation that would create a mission authorization system for commercial space activities. 3- The European Space Agency - ESA introduced its Zero Debris Approach. 4- The UK introduced a Space Sustainability Standard. 5- The UK Space Agency and UK Space Command announced they are developing a joint National Space Operations Centre. 6- The UKSA offered £300,000 to map out the current state of research into the potential environmental impact of space debris re-entering Earth’s atmosphere. 7- The ESA launched a new method to deorbit satellites. 8- The global space STM Market is forecasted to increase 9- The ISS performed an avoidance manoeuvre to avoid space junk 10- Governmental bodies have continued to make a shift to address STM. 11- The US Government announced the reintroduction of the Space Safety and Situational Awareness Transition Act of 2023. 12- NOAA’s Office of Space Commerce (OSC) partnered with the Department of Defense to award seven contracts to U.S. commercial space firms for space situational awareness data analysis. 13- The EU SST began operations to provide space safety services to more than 190 registered organisations. To read more of the full recap, click the link in the comments!

Scarce explicit legal obligations for space-players to carry out Space Situational Awareness (SSA) has led to questionable approaches around the world, even with international committees and agencies producing SSA guidelines.   Although over 100 countries are signed up to the UN COPUOS, the way that countries and organisations implement and adhere to the treaties and agreements varies.   In the absence of any independent, effective, central SSA system, space players such as European Space Agency - ESA have either developed their own SSA systems or have come together to share operational data to enable SSA. Although some public office led Space Traffic Management (STM) services exist, many consider the SSA systems somewhat inaccurate.   Therefore, how can we achieve SSA that satisfies all players? In this Satellites and Markets Research article, our Chairman, Joe Chan of Intelsat discusses how we tackle these complexities surrounding space situational awareness in 2024: https://lnkd.in/eGkh5s7c

The EU SST is working to improve space tracking and ensure safety amid the growing congestion of Earth's orbit. Emphasising the need for greater European autonomy in space situational awareness, the EU SST aims to stimulate the competitiveness of the European space industry, planning to invest in commercial SSA data and sensors to track orbital objects. SpaceAware, our situational intelligence, is designed to ensure just this, providing the awareness and insight needed to monitor the risk from space debris, and make the necessary responses. Learn more about the EU SST, and the need to improve European space situational awareness, here -> https://hubs.ly/Q0288zHC0 #SpaceTechnology #SatelliteData #SpaceSensors

We need a Swiss Minister for Space Affairs! Space debris, often referred to as space junk, presents a growing hazard to operational satellites, space missions, and the International Space Station (ISS). This debris includes defunct satellites, spent rocket stages, and fragments from collisions or disintegration. As the number of space missions increases, so does the volume of debris, amplifying the risk of damaging collisions. Addressing this issue is critical for ensuring the safety and sustainability of space activities. To tackle the challenge effectively, there is a pressing need for a dedicated Minister of Space Debris Management. This role would encompass coordinating international efforts, implementing policies for debris reduction, promoting research into debris mitigation technologies, and ensuring compliance with space debris regulations. A ministerial position would provide the necessary leadership and resources to address this complex issue, safeguarding our orbital environment for future generations and maintaining the integrity of space operations! With a new Swiss astronaut coming...this is an urgency!

Big News in UK Space Tech! 🚀🇬🇧 Spaceflux, a trailblasing UK space tech company, just secured major contracts with UK Space Command and the UK Space Agency! Their mission? To revolutionise Space Domain Awareness (SDA) using their global network of optical sensors. 🌍🔭 Here's the scoop: 🛰️ Spaceflux will track satellites in geostationary orbit. 🌐 They're using a network spanning 10 locations across 5 continents. 🇨🇾 A new ground-based SDA sensor is being built in Cyprus. 🤖 Their unique AI-driven analytics are tackling space congestion. With over 8,000 satellites and 30,000 pieces of space debris, the risk of collisions is real. Spaceflux's work is crucial for the safety of our space assets. 🛰️ This partnership is not just about tracking; it's about safeguarding the UK's space interests and fostering global collaboration. What do you think the future holds for space tech innovation? 🤔 👉 https://lnkd.in/eQPa_5it #DefenceNews #Defence #Procurement #Equipment #DefenceInnovation #DefenceSpending #MilitaryBudget #UK

In-Space Missions Ltd has received an extension of funding from the UK Space Agency to continue the progress of its Asia-Pacific regional satellite rideshare operation - Faraday Dragon. The financing will directly support developments in Asia-Pacific payload technologies designed to fly on Faraday Dragon. As a result of this venture, the UK is granted a prime role in emerging space collaborations and procurement prospects across the Asia-Pacific area. Another resultant of the preliminary funding incorporated multiple dialogues and workshops with regional organisations and the signing of five Memoranda of Understanding, all revolving around specific innovative technologies. The selected technologies to fly onboard the Faraday Dragon range from a hyperspectral imager, VHF Data Exchange System and other scientific components. The Faraday Dragon aids cost-effectiveness and sustainability in space, designed by In-Space Missions in the UK with a planned launch in 2026.

🚀 Exciting News for Poland's Space Tech Sector! 🌍 Poland is set to enhance its earth observation capabilities with two new satellite constellations. The civilian Camila mission, launching in 2027, will include at least four high-resolution satellites managed by the European Space Agency. This initiative aims to boost local expertise by involving Polish companies in designing, building, and managing the satellites. Additionally, a defense-focused constellation will launch in 2028, funded by a €300 million loan from the European Investment Bank. While the defense project, managed by Airbus, aims to ensure national security, its impact on local industry is less clear. Our COO, Mikołaj Podgórski emphasized the need for government-oriented projects to support local industry, saying, “What we see in the US and the rest of Europe is that you need to have government oriented projects that will support the local industry and give companies a way to grow and develop new products,” he said. “We’ve not had a nationally focused activity of this kind before, so this is a good start.” These projects mark significant steps in strengthening Poland's position in the global space industry and ensuring our sovereignty in earth observation. 🌟 Read more: https://lnkd.in/eVTt-y6G #PolishSpace #NewProjects #space #satellite