Cis-Lunar Surveillance System Technological and Strategic Perspectives

Space Situational Awareness (SSA) and Space Traffic Management (STM) traditionally focus on monitoring and managing objects in Earth’s vicinity, particularly in low Earth orbit (LEO), medium Earth orbit (MEO), and geostationary orbit (GEO). However, with the rapid expansion of space exploration, particularly toward the Moon, the need for situational awareness and traffic management in cis-lunar space has become critical. This vast region, encompassing the space between the Earth and the Moon, is increasingly important for scientific exploration, commercial activities, and military considerations. As lunar missions, including plans for permanent lunar bases and the Lunar Gateway, become more frequent, cis-lunar space presents unique challenges due to its size and complex orbital dynamics. Effective monitoring in this region is essential to ensure the safety of operations, minimize the risk of collisions, and support coordinated activities for both civilian and strategic purposes. This paper proposes a surveillance network consisting of a constellation of satellites strategically positioned across cis-lunar space. These satellites would provide real-time monitoring and tracking of objects, enhancing space traffic management and situational awareness. Designed for flexibility, the constellation could adapt to changing mission needs, such as tracking specific objects, responding to threats, or focusing on high-priority areas. By addressing both the technological and strategic aspects, this research highlights the importance of extending SSA and STM capabilities beyond Earth’s immediate vicinity to secure the safety and sustainability of future operations in cis-lunar space.