TraCSS Expands CRADA Efforts with SpaceX
Aligns with Space Policy Directive-3 Goals for SSA Technologies
The Office of Space Commerce’s Traffic Coordination System for Space (TraCSS) is expanding its Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with SpaceX, announced in January 2024, to incorporate Launch Collision Avoidance (LCOLA) screenings into ongoing work on advanced screening techniques.
This enhancement will enable SpaceX and the Office of Space Commerce to harness modern tools in developing innovative approaches to LCOLA screening.
The effort aligns with the goals of Space Policy Directive-3 to advance the state of space situational awareness technologies. The policy provides guidelines and direction to ensure that the United States is a leader in providing a safe and secure environment as commercial and civil space traffic increases.
Under SPD-3, the Department of Commerce will make space safety data and services available to the public, while the Department of Defense maintains the authoritative catalogue of space objects.
Additionally, TraCSS is working to onboard SpaceX as a beta user in preparation for the system’s production launch in January 2026. TraCSS continues to lead the way in shaping the future of civil space traffic coordination.