Space Situational Awareness: Keeping the Space Blips from Bumping

Government Agencies and Private Companies Each Have Roles to Play

ESA image. Note: Artist's impression; size of debris exaggerated as compared to Earth

As Earth orbit becomes more crowded with constellations of thousands of satellites, CubeSats, SmallSats, defunct satellites and space debris, Space Situational Awareness (SSA) becomes a critical factor in making sure all those expensive satellites can accomplish their m…