In 2009, an on-orbit collision between a defunct Russian satellite and an Iridium communications satellite created more than 1,800 pieces of debris and signaled an emerging need for a space traffic system. Since then, space has only become more congested with the rise of a commercial launch market that has enabled affordable access to space for commercial, civil and military space programs alike.

The resulting influx of satellites on-orbit inspired the signing of Space Policy Directive-3 (SPD-3) during the first Trump administration, which declared the need for U.S. leadership in establishing a space traffic system to mitigate the risk of on-orbit collisions through a coordinated data-sharing effort between the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of Commerce. This joint effort produced a new program, the Traffic Coordination System for Space (TraCSS), which late last year achieved initial operating capability in cataloging assets on-orbit and delivering space situational awareness (SSA) to spacecraft operators.

In this episode of "The Elara Edge: Expert Insights on Space Security," Elara Nova partner Col (Ret) Charlie McGillis, former director of intelligence at 14th Air Force (Space), describes how TraCSS has emerged as a leading solution for space traffic coordination in an increasingly congested and contested domain, and enables a foundation for future space capabilities and mission areas that serve both economic and national security purposes. McGillis currently serves as a member of the TraCSS Independent Review Board and is also the Vice President, Public Sector, at The Provenance Chain Network.

"The Elara Edge" is hosted by Scott King and produced by Regia Multimedia Services. The full story can be found on Elara Nova's Insights page here. Music was produced by Patrick Watkins of PW Audio.