SPACE SITUATIONAL AWARENESS DATA SHARING: SAFETY TOOL OR SECURITY THREAT?

摘要

Space situational awareness (SSA), defined by the United States Department of Defense as "the requisite current and predictive knowledge of the space environment and the [operational environment] upon which space operations depend," has skyrocketed in importance as the portion of outer space where man-made Earth satellites operate has grown more crowded, complicated, and, some suggest, contested. The more objects that are present in Earth orbit, the greater the risks of destructive collisions and harmful electromagnetic interference (EMI) between them. Proliferation of space, missile, and other advanced technologies among states with adverse interests has also increased satellites' vulnerability to intentional interference or attack. To preserve the vital capabilities that satellites bring, it is critical to know what natural and man-made hazards might endanger them, and how best to reduce, mitigate, or eliminate those hazards. SSA is a fundamental prerequisite to protecting space capabilities.