TraCSS Frequently Asked Questions
This page hosts answers to frequently asked questions related to the Traffic Coordination System for Space. To submit additional questions for consideration, contact us.
What are the current priorities for TraCSS?
OSC is currently focused on migrating the Department of Defense’s civil/commercial owner/operator conjunction assessment (CA) capability and operations to the Department of Commerce.
Our efforts include validating, migrating, and modernizing where necessary or feasible. Concurrently, we are developing a research and development roadmap to enhance space situational awareness (SSA) capabilities as directed by Space Policy Directive-3 (SPD-3). We’re also collaborating closely with civil and commercial operators to ensure TraCSS meets their needs and preparing them for the transition from DoD to our team.
How is the Office of Space Commerce engaging with commercial satellite operators to ensure TraCSS meets industry needs?
OSC engages actively through one-on-one conversations, public listening sessions, conferences, and workshops to understand stakeholder concerns and requirements. We are closely collaborating with beta users and expanding user participation ahead of TraCSS’s anticipated production release in early 2026.
Opportunities to engage with the TraCSS team are regularly communicated through our public channels, including our website, social media, and stakeholder engagement lists.
What opportunities exist for commercial SSA providers, academia, and researchers to get involved with TraCSS now and in the future?
TraCSS offers opportunities for engagement through past and planned pathfinder and pilot efforts with multiple commercial SSA providers. Our newly established Advanced Capabilities Integrated Program Team (IPT) aims to foster ongoing collaboration across the space community to prioritize R&D efforts.
Contract opportunities are routinely posted on SAM.gov and shared through OSC’s public communications channels.
Where can I find resources/materials on past, current, or upcoming TraCSS solicitations or opportunities?
Resources and materials, including videos, listening sessions, and documents, can be accessed here.
How does my organization express interest in becoming a TraCSS Beta User?
To express your interest in becoming a TraCSS beta user, contact us at TraCSS.Commerce@noaa.gov. In your correspondence, please indicate the type of your organization (e.g., academic; non-profit; commercial; government), whether your organization is signed up for Space-Track.org; and a point of contact.
What are the main lines of effort for TraCSS?
TraCSS employs a modular, cloud-based architecture to maximize flexibility and foster a competitive environment for commercial space services. The program’s main components include:
- OASIS: TraCSS’s data repository integrating data from DoD, satellite operators, commercial SSA providers, and potentially international partners.
- SKYLINE: An application hosting service integrating third-party capabilities to deliver mission services.
- HORIZON: A development and experimentation testbed supporting the validation and development of new capabilities and services.
Will Space-Track.org be “turned off”?
Both the Department of Defense and the Department of Commerce plan to maintain current services on Space-Track.org until TraCSS.gov is fully operational and validated. Users will experience no interruption during the migration period.
Is there a plan to monetize TraCSS services, or will they remain publicly funded and freely available?
TraCSS.gov will provide space safety services free of charge, as directed by SPD-3. Additional services, such as on-orbit servicing, may be provided by third-party providers.
What coordination is being done to facilitate global SSA communication ?
TraCSS aims to become the world’s largest, most transparent, safety-focused SSA system, globally available free of charge to operators.
OSC collaborates closely with international counterparts to establish frameworks for data sharing and enhance global space operation safety. In 2024, OSC articulated its Vision for Global SSA Coordination as a framework for this international coordination.
For example, OSC is actively involved in developing data standards with industry and government partners, including close collaboration with EUSST (the EU’s SSA system), focusing on notification thresholds and service scope.