Why the Future of Orbital Safety Demands Smarter Eyes on Space
Low Earth Orbit (LEO) is getting crowded—fast. Satellites, defunct spacecraft, and debris fragments now number in the tens of thousands, traveling at over 28,000 km/h. Avoiding collisions in this environment is no longer an exception, but a daily task. That’s where Space Surveillance & Tracking (SST) systems come in: they track objects, predict their movements, and issue alerts to avoid potential disasters.
But current systems aren’t flawless. While they’ve become essential tools, they still suffer from blind spots, latency issues, limited precision, and inconsistent data-sharing protocols. The result? False alarms, missed threats, and unnecessary maneuvers that put spacecraft at risk and increase operational costs.
Understanding both the strengths and shortcomings of today’s SST infrastructure is crucial to managing what’s rapidly becoming one of the most complex environments ever created by humans.
The Growing Threat of "Lethal Non-Trackable" Debris
Among the greatest challenges in SST today is tracking objects that are too small to detect reliably but large enough to cause catastrophic damage—fragments just a few centimeters across, moving at hypersonic speeds.
Major events like the 2007 Chinese ASAT test and the 2021 Russian ASAT test have worsened the situation dramatically. Each produced thousands of pieces of trackable debris—and countless more untrackable fragments—raising the long-term risk of collisions in LEO.
Then there’s Envisat: a 9-ton ESA satellite left defunct in a high-traffic orbit since 2012. If it collides, the outcome could generate tens of thousands of new debris pieces—many too small to be tracked, all dangerous.
This isn’t science fiction. It’s today’s orbital reality.
Ground-Based SST Systems
Pros
Lower Costs & Easy Maintenance: Located on Earth, these systems are easier and cheaper to maintain than anything in orbit.
Mature Technology: Radar and optical telescope systems like the U.S. Space Fence or GEODSS have decades of refinement behind them.
High Sensitivity: Ground telescopes can be larger than space-based ones, providing excellent resolution.
Advanced Capabilities: Technologies like phased-array radar and digital beamforming deliver precise tracking and flexible coverage.
Immediate Data Processing: With direct access to terrestrial computing infrastructure, data is processed quickly and efficiently.
Cons
Geographical & Weather Limitations: Cloud cover, storms, and daylight restrict their operation. In some regions, usable nights occur only half the time.
Limited Field of View: They can only see what’s above the horizon, missing huge swaths of space without a global network.
Poor Detection of Small Debris: Micro-debris—objects under 10 cm—is hard to detect and still poses a major threat.
Latency: Data collection delays, especially when visibility windows are missed, can affect real-time decision-making.
Infrastructure Heavy: Requires significant facilities, communication systems, and staffing.
Earth’s Rotation Dependency: Object tracking depends on predictable orbits and Earth’s movement, limiting responsiveness.
Space-Based SST Systems
Pros
Global, Real-Time Coverage: Space-based sensors aren’t limited by weather, geography, or daylight.
High-Resolution Imaging: Advanced optics and sensors detect even subtle changes in object behavior.
Enhanced Geometric Diversity: Observe objects from multiple angles and closer to the Sun with fewer exclusion zones.
Lower Latency: Immediate data capture from orbit shortens response times dramatically.
Access Across All Orbital Zones: From LEO to GEO, space-based systems monitor across altitudes.
Small Debris Detection: Closer proximity and better resolution allow detection of smaller, high-risk objects.
Autonomous Processing: On-board computation enables pre-processed data to be transmitted quickly and efficiently.
Cons
Exposure to Hazards: Radiation and orbital debris can damage sensors and shorten lifespan.
High Upfront and Replacement Costs: Development, launch, and replenishment are capital intensive.
Data Dependency: Tracking accuracy relies on consistent, high-quality sensor data. Poor data compromises orbit prediction.
Complexity and Cyber Risks: Space-based networks require secure, fault-tolerant systems with high resilience to attacks or malfunctions.
At ARCA Dynamics, We’re Reimagining What SST Can Be
We don’t see the complexity of space-based tracking as a problem—we see it as potential. That’s why our nanosatellite constellation is designed from the ground up to address the limitations of legacy systems:
Uninterrupted LEO Monitoring
Our CubeSats operate continuously, unaffected by weather or geography.Tracking Debris as Small as 1 cm
We go far beyond the 10 cm benchmark, detecting smaller fragments with real consequences.Multiple Daily Revisits
In one 3-day period, we tracked 665 unique objects (out of ~12,000 catalogued), compared to ~1 revisit/day by public catalogs like NORAD.Improved Orbit Determination
Frequent revisits enable us to refine trajectory predictions and reduce uncertainty over time.On-Board Processing
Data is pre-processed in orbit, reducing downlink bottlenecks and accelerating alerts.Faster Turnaround Times
We deliver processed observations in as little as 12 hours—cutting traditional delays by more than half.High Precision
With sub-20 second single-pass observations, our results match GNSS and NORAD TLE accuracy.Flexible Access Models
Choose event-based tracking or subscription plans tailored to your operational needs.Works Stand-Alone or in Tandem
Our system complements existing ground-based infrastructure, making your operations smarter, faster, and more resilient.
Ready to See the Future of SST?
Let’s talk. Whether you’re protecting a satellite, planning a mission, or managing a fleet, ARCA Dynamics gives you the tools to make faster, more confident decisions in orbit.
Explore our capabilities and discover how we can support your mission—today and tomorrow.