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Home > Open Access Journals > JSS > Vol. 18 > No. 3 (2025)

 

Author Biography

Simone Luca Montandon is a student in Georgetown University’s Security Studies Program, pursuing a Master’s in Security Studies. Originally from Italy, Simone graduated from Georgetown with a Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service in 2024, majoring in International Politics and minoring in Economics. Simone is currently an International Policy Analyst at Silicon Valley Defense Group, working to leverage venture-backed innovation in the Defense Industrial Base to promote national security objectives.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.5038/1944-0472.18.3.2401

Subject Area Keywords

Asymmetric warfare, Intelligence collection, National security, Science and technology & security, Space and security

Abstract

Military, commercial, and civil space missions rely on accurate space situational awareness (SSA) to avoid collisions and inform the analysis of the threat environment. Historically, man-made objects in space have been highly predictable because their trajectories were mostly constrained within the orbit they occupied. However, fast-paced progress in engine/thruster technology, energy efficiency, and on-orbit servicing and refueling have allowed satellites to maneuver often and quickly within their lifespan. This added an element of unpredictability that adds further uncertainty to an operational environment that is already highly uncertain. This paper argues that solving this issue will require pursuing continued custody of satellites to inform decision-making in space and allow for more accurate and timely reactions. It proposes the development of a proliferated space-based network of SSA satellites to achieve this goal.

Acknowledgements

I would like to express my appreciation to Dr. John J. Klein, who was first to edit this paper, for his commitment to teaching and to his students.

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