The U.S. Space Force is set to launch a new prototype software to automate the integration of commercial and military space tracking data. This initiative aims to enhance operational efficiency by providing timely and accurate information regarding space objects, particularly those operated by potential adversaries.
Col. Barry Croker, leading Mission Delta 2, which is tasked with organizing and training personnel for space domain awareness, emphasized the importance of speed in data analysis over absolute accuracy. The prototype will include faster, though lower-fidelity, observations typically provided by commercial entities. This approach will allow for quicker insights into space activities, such as new debris clouds or recently launched satellites.
Currently, the Space Force acquires commercial space tracking information through the Joint Commercial Operations cell and stores it in the Unified Data Library. However, this data does not integrate directly with operational systems, which Gen. Stephen Whiting of SPACECOM noted hinders precise targeting of adversary satellites. Improved integration of commercial data is considered a key step to enhancing capabilities in space domain awareness.
Croker clarified that while data fusion is the end goal, the separate software environment is created to maintain high accuracy in military tracking missions without the dilution of data quality from commercial sources.
