Space traffic management

Space is a critical link for missions worldwide, including national security, technological development, scientific research, telecommunications, and earth observation. As access to space eases and the market opens, space is becoming increasingly congested. The rapid expansion in the civilian space industry, projected future growth, and increase in orbital debris pose a significant risk to other spacecraft, their missions, and even the orbital shells they occupy. Therefore, the United States, other spacefaring nations, and commercial entities worldwide must work toward the shared goal of maintaining free and accessible space by improved space traffic management. This paper outlines the current state of space traffic management and provides recommendations for a future state to preserve access and utilization of the space domain by all.