Responsive Space Situation Awareness in 2020

Abstract

The U.S. strategy to assure freedom of access in space hinges on Space Situation Awareness (SSA): the ability to find and track space objects and determine their capability and intent. As a result, AFSPC is investing much to overhaul the aging sensors, network the sensors to enable data sharing and dissemination timeliness, and improve the tactics, techniques, and procedures required to integrate space surveillance into the command and control operations at the Joint Space Operations Center. Regardless, AFSPC is projecting a shortfall in deep space characterization and SSA responsiveness at the end of the mid-term planning cycle in 2020. The goal of this research paper is to recommend a few strategy refinements and a key technology investment necessary to erase these shortfalls. The recommended strategy refinements include: seeking out more contributing sensors, establishing a layered network to free up dedicated sensors to monitor high interest objects and respond to events, using all means to erase the "lost"? object list, and switching some SSA missions from persistent to routine for the sake of reducing cost and complexity. Though the added sensors and planned net centricity greatly improve coverage and shared situation awareness, the complexity of the network in 2020 and timeliness required to respond to tactical events suggest the need for shared division of labor between humans and machines. Humans must transform from looking at the network as a data provider and instead look at the network as a teammate capable of sharing in the decisionmaking. This paper recommends investment in artificial cognition technology and outlines the training program required to transform the network from the new kid on the block to the seasoned grey beard capable of sharing cognition in some instances and taking over cognition and directing responsive operations when complexity and timelines necessitate it.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 01, 2007
Accession Number
ADA497493

Entities

People

  • Russell F. Teehan

Organizations

  • Air War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Autonomy
  • C4I
  • Sensors
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Change Detection
  • Cognitive Science
  • Command And Control
  • Detectors
  • Geosynchronous Orbits
  • Information Systems
  • Nanosatellites
  • Pattern Recognition
  • Situational Awareness
  • Small Satellites
  • Space Objects
  • Space Systems
  • Space Transportation
  • Spacecraft
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Aerospace Engineering.
  • Enterprise Information Systems Architecture and Joint Command Capability Interoperability Support.
  • Maritime Combat Support and Expeditionary Logistics.

Technology Areas

  • Fully Networked C3
  • Fully Networked C3 - Command and Control
  • Space
  • Space - Space Objects