White House Considers Privatising Critical Space Traffic System
The White House is considering privatising the Traffic Coordination System for Space (TraCSS), a critical tool for managing satellite traffic. This move comes as the system nears completion, with beta testing underway and updates six times a day. However, the future of TraCSS remains uncertain, with no clear plan for its management post-privatisation.
TraCSS, a key initiative of the first Trump administration, is set to come online within the next twelve months. It forms the bulk of the Office of Space Commerce's (OSC) $60M annual budget. However, the current administration lacks a clear understanding of its need, raising concerns about its future. The Department of Defense (DoD) will continue maintaining the satellite catalog until a replacement is found.
The White House plans to hand over TraCSS to a non-profit or private company. However, the satellite industry is unlikely to fund it without new regulations requiring better awareness of their spacecraft. Meanwhile, NOAA weather services are being cut, but OSC elevation is not part of the current plan. China's growing influence in satellite communication may also pose future coordination challenges for the US.
As TraCSS nears completion, the White House's plan to privatise it raises questions about its future management and funding. While the satellite industry may not currently support it, new regulations could change this. The DoD will maintain the satellite catalog until a replacement is found, but the long-term plan for TraCSS remains unclear.
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