The two agencies are transitioning spaceflight safety services, currently offered through space-track.org, from US Space Command (USSPACECOM) to the Office of Space Commerce's (OSC) new Traffic Coordination System for Space (TraCSS). This system began operations on September 30 for a beta group of satellite owners and operators.

During this initial phase, TraCSS will utilize USSPACECOM's data to generate and share space traffic safety alerts, known as conjunction data messages, with beta users via the space-track.org interface. USSPACECOM will continue to provide its existing SSA data and services to ensure no disruption to current operations.

"TraCSS represents a modern approach to spaceflight safety, integrating the latest technologies and providing on-ramps for continuous improvements that will scale into the future," said Richard Dalbello, director of NOAA's Office of Space Commerce. "I'm thankful for our team and partners for doing the hard work to launch the first phase on schedule."

As TraCSS evolves, it will incorporate more data, undergo revisions, and add new capabilities, while USSPACECOM continues its parallel services with a focus on national security. The full migration to TraCSS will occur when both entities meet their agreed-upon conditions. After the transition, USSPACECOM will maintain the authoritative space catalog and remain responsible for SSA data related to national security, including classified data sharing and space threat awareness.

Currently, USSPACECOM monitors and publishes information about around 47,000 objects in space-ranging from military to civilian and commercial assets-through space-track.org. Since 2010, spaceflight safety services like conjunction assessments and the resident space object database have been provided by units under the U.S. Air Force, now U.S. Space Force.

With the expansion of global space activities across commercial, military, and civil sectors, Space Policy Directive-3 (2018) emphasized the Department of Defense's role in safeguarding access to space while directing the Department of Commerce to lead civil efforts in providing basic SSA data and space traffic coordination services.

"This step is a significant milestone in a team effort between the Office of Space Commerce and the DoD. It represents our shared commitment to ensuring spaceflight safety to all operators," commented Gen. Stephen Whiting, commander of U.S. Space Command. "The eventual migration to TraCSS will allow us to focus on the space domain awareness needed to plan, integrate, execute and assess military space operations."

USSPACECOM continues to coordinate with international allies and partners, integrating military spacepower into global operations to deter aggression, protect national interests, and, when necessary, defeat space-based threats.

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