Obtaining Space Situational Awareness Data, and a Curriculum for the Final Frontier

Obtaining Space Situational Awareness Data, and a Curriculum for the Final Frontier. Here are some of the top stories from The Journal of Space Commerce this week.

The Office of Space Commerce (OSC) has released a Request for Information seeking input on a future multi-vendor contract structure for obtaining space situational awareness (SSA) data and services. Responses will help shape OSC’s acquisition strategy for commercial data and services to integrate into the Traffic Coordination System for Space (TraCSS).

The Office of Space Commerce’s TraCSS program is interested in establishing a multi-vendor Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) or indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) to obtain commercial SSA data and services in support of the TraCSS mission. The program is seeking industry input on the attributes of a BPA or IDIQ that would allow flexibility and maximal participation by vendors. The program is also seeking input from industry on other acquisition vehicles that might address the need to engage broadly with the commercial SSA industry for data and services for TraCSS.

Responses to this Request for Information are due no later than 12:00 p.m. (EDT), May 6, 2025. Details on how to respond are available on the Office of Space Commerce website.

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The global space service market size was valued at $30.2 billion in 2023, and is projected to reach $67.9 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 8.8% from 2024 to 2033 according to a new report from Allied Market Research. Space service refers to a broad range of commercial, governmental, and defense-related activities that utilize space-based infrastructure, technologies, and operations to provide services on Earth and beyond, including activities in low Earth orbit (LEO), and geostationary orbit (GEO).

One of the most significant drivers of the space service market is the rising demand for satellite-based services, including telecommunications, earth observation, and navigation. However, high costs associated with space missions and satellite deployments and regulatory and legal challenges in space operations are anticipated to hamper the growth of the market during the forecast period. Moreover, rise in demand for space tourism and commercial spaceflight and the expansion of in-orbit services are expected to offer lucrative opportunities for the market in the future.

The satellite services segment held the highest market share in 2023, owing to the rise of high-speed satellite internet. Communication satellites accounted for a dominant market share in 2023, due to a rise in demand for high-speed internet, military communication needs, and the expansion of 5G networks.

The small payloads segment accounted for the largest market share and is anticipated to maintain its dominance till 2033, and the same segment is expected to witness the highest CAGR of 9.3% during the forecast period fueled by lower launch costs, shorter development cycles, and advancements in miniaturized technology.

North America accounted for the largest market share and is anticipated to maintain its dominance till 2033. However, the Asia-Pacific is expected to portray the highest CAGR of 9.8% during the forecast period.

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Two refueling operations of a U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) satellite in geostationary orbit (GEO) for the United States Space Force (USSF) will be conducted by Astroscale U.S. next year. The mission is designed to demonstrate the ability of commercial Servicing, Mobility and Logistics providers to deliver on-orbit capabilities supporting the warfighter.

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