Space Safety through situational awareness

Space Situational Awareness (SSA) entails the detection, tracking, and comprehension of spaceborne objects and phenomena that could potentially affect Earth or space operations. It encompasses three primary components: Space Surveillance and Tracking (SST), which monitors satellites and space debris to prevent collisions; space weather monitoring, which observes solar activity—such as solar flares, coronal mass ejections, and energetic particles—that can disrupt satellite systems, communications, and power grids; and Near-Earth Object (NEO) monitoring, which tracks asteroids and comets that may approach or impact Earth.

Space weather can significantly impact planetary probes and satellites orbiting celestial bodies. These events release high-energy particles and radiation that may damage satellite electronics, disrupt communication systems, and degrade the performance of sensitive instruments on space probes. In extreme cases, these energetic particles may compromise the physical integrity of spacecraft, potentially leading to mission failure. Moreover, space weather can interfere with a satellite’s ability to accurately navigate and maintain its orbit, particularly if the spacecraft operates in or near areas like the Van Allen radiation belts or in proximity to celestial bodies such as Jupiter, whose intense magnetosphere interactions can exacerbate these effects. In sum, space weather poses a persistent risk to the longevity and operational integrity of planetary probes and satellites, necessitating continuous monitoring and mitigation to ensure mission success.

SSA is a fundamental element of space safety, which refers to the secure and sustainable use of space. Space safety not only includes SSA but also encompasses the protection of human spaceflight, Earth-based infrastructure, and space commerce from hazards such as space debris, space weather, and asteroid impacts. Additionally, it involves efforts to actively mitigate these risks through scientific and technological advancements.

As satellite operations and global reliance on space services increase, space safety and SSA have emerged as critical global priorities. The growing congestion of near-Earth orbit, with an increasing number of satellites and debris, heightens the likelihood of collisions that could generate dangerous debris fields, further disrupting global systems. Even a single collision can lead to the creation of thousands of fragments, posing long-term hazards to other spacecraft.

Simultaneously, solar activity results in geomagnetic storms and other forms of space weather that can impair satellite functionality, GPS, aviation, and even terrestrial infrastructure such as power grids. While most space debris burns up during atmospheric re-entry, larger fragments may survive and pose a risk to people or property on Earth. Planetary defense, which focuses on the detection and mitigation of NEOs, is another critical pillar of SSA, dedicated to preventing potentially catastrophic impacts from asteroids and comets.

Disruptions to satellite services also carry significant economic consequences. Precision industries, aviation, and high-frequency financial trading all depend on uninterrupted GPS and communication systems. The insurance sector has identified space weather as a high-impact, underinsured threat, yet it remains largely absent from mainstream economic risk models.

In response to these escalating risks, Finland is establishing the Finnish Space Situational Awareness Center (FSSAC) through international cooperation, such as the EU Space Surveillance and Tracking (EU SST) program, as well as national observations and modeling initiatives. This effort aims to ensure the safe and resilient operation of critical space infrastructure in collaboration with international partners, while providing SSA services to national authorities. FSSAC will be composed of two centers: a civilian command center (C-FSSAC) led by the Finnish Meteorological Institute and supported by the National Land Survey, and a military command center (M-FSSAC) operated by the Finnish Defence Forces. These centers will have complementary roles in monitoring, analysis, and response.

FSSAC will operate within an international framework, contributing to EU-led initiatives and fostering direct cooperation between Finland and the United States. It will integrate global SSA data, enhancing it with national information and analysis tailored to Finland’s security and infrastructure needs. Domestically, FSSAC will function as a center of expertise, utilizing assets such as the Metsähovi laser telescope and national space weather monitoring systems.

The civilian command center will be tasked with monitoring orbital objects, assessing collision risks, forecasting space weather effects, and evaluating the potential impact of re-entering debris or NEOs. It will provide relevant stakeholders with timely information to support informed decision-making. SST services at FSSAC will reduce collision risks, minimize disruptions, and safeguard national infrastructure. As satellite traffic continues to increase, SST is not merely a technical necessity—it is an investment in economic and societal stability.

In addition to passive monitoring, space safety places significant emphasis on preventive and mitigative measures. International efforts are increasingly focused on not only detecting hazards but also developing active responses, such as debris removal technologies and planetary defense missions designed to deflect or destroy threatening NEOs. Scientific research, technological innovation, and international cooperation are crucial to these strategies.

FSSAC will also track objects entering Earth’s atmosphere and forecast their potential impact zones. Although most large debris burns up upon re-entry and satellites are typically directed toward ocean disposal zones, this capability is vital for public safety and government preparedness.

By leveraging synergies with existing 24/7 services at the Finnish Meteorological Institute, the civilian command center will operate efficiently at a relatively low cost. Full operational readiness is anticipated by 2027. Upon its establishment, FSSAC will significantly enhance Finland’s resilience to growing space-related risks, while contributing to global space safety.

Through the integration of scientific surveillance, forecasting, and mitigation capabilities, FSSAC will support a safer and more sustainable use of space. In doing so, it will protect not only national interests but also the broader global society and economy, both of which now depend heavily on uninterrupted access to the space domain.