Newswise — Sharing information on the location of space objects and debris is a prime example of addressing collective problems in space through cooperative solutions.

As Earth orbit grows more congested, the need to track space objects and provide information about activities in space becomes increasingly critical for a number of reasons, such as helping to prevent collisions or debris-caused damage.

Secure World Foundation is pleased to announce the release of a fact-filled issue brief on the U.S. government’s Space Situational Awareness Sharing Program.

The 17-page document details the history, legislation and funding of space situational awareness – or SSA -- as well as describing how it works, recent changes and updates to the program.

“The new U.S. National Space Policy released this past June heavily emphasizes international cooperation, a focus that has been at the center of the SSA Sharing Program since its creation,” said Tiffany Chow, Research Assistant for Secure World Foundation (SWF) and author of the issue brief.

Chow said that by gathering, analyzing, and sharing information on the location of space objects and debris, the United States shows its commitment to working with other space actors to ensure everyone’s ability to safely operate in space for the long-term.

“The SSA Sharing Program is a key area where such cooperation has been going on for years and can be expanded. However, the program’s details are often little known,” Chow said. “This SWF issue brief aims to illuminate those details, as well as provide analysis on the issues and concerns surrounding the program.”

To access the SSA Sharing Program: SWF Issue Brief, go to:

http://secureworldfoundation.org/images/SWFIssueBriefFinal.pdf

For more information on the U.S. Space Situational Awareness Sharing Program, contact:

Tiffany Chow, Research AssistantSecure World Foundation Phone: +1-202-462-1842Email: [email protected]

Brian Weeden, Technical AdvisorSecure World FoundationPhone: +1 514 466 2756Email: [email protected]

About Secure World Foundation

Secure World Foundation (SWF) is headquartered in Superior, Colorado, with offices in Washington, D.C. and Brussels, Belgium.

SWF is a private operating foundation dedicated to the secure and sustainable use of space for the benefit of Earth and all its peoples.

SWF engages with academics, policy makers, scientists and advocates in the space and international affairs communities to support steps that strengthen global space sustainability. It promotes the development of cooperative and effective use of space for the protection of Earth’s environment and human security.

The Foundation acts as a research body, convener and facilitator to advocate for key space security and other space related topics and to examine their influence on governance and international development.