Space exploration has captivated the public since President Kennedy first set forth efforts to make America the first nation to step foot on the moon. Now, it’s not just governments that are launching into space. On Friday, SpaceX sent its 6000th Starlink internet satellite into orbit.
A growing presence of orbital traffic calls for the integration of coordination systems. To achieve this, NOAA awarded a grant of $15.5 million to Parsons Corporation of Chantilly, Virginia.
Parsons Corporation specializes in engineering and software services for a wide range of sectors including cybersecurity and defense solutions. They will provide system integration for NOAA’s Traffic Coordination System for Space. The TraCSS program is to ensure spatial awareness in and around Earth’s lower orbit to protect current and future space launches. With an increasing number of commercial companies launching satellites, a program of this nature is in high demand.
Protecting Orbital Traffic
The Department of Defense has been working over the last few years to transition the space situational awareness program to a private company. As more and more space launches take place, having a database that tracks their movements will defend against orbital collisions that could threaten public safety.
Many people think of satellites as instruments used for communication and weather prediction. They are also used to better understand Earth’s complex systems such as the ocean’s water cycle and the formation of clouds. Analyzing difficult Earth systems is important for addressing climate change.
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The U.S. Deputy Commerce Secretary Don Graves spoke on the recent partnership saying, “From climate change and medicine manufacturing to space traffic coordination, we are a global leader in the space industry.” He continued, “This $15.5 million TraCSS investment is essential to the continued safe operation of space operators that are crucial for navigation systems, weather forecasting, and global communications that the American people rely on.”
Parsons has committed to sustainability in their daily operations. The company has taken significant strides in limiting its greenhouse gas emissions. They’ve set the goal of reducing corporate emissions by 20% in the next year. To backup these claims they have third-party recognition. For the 15th year in a row, Ethisphere has named Parsons one of the most ethical companies globally.
