RESEARCH OF THE FUNCTIONING OF THE EXISTING SPACE SITUATION CONTROL AND ANALYSIS SYSTEM

Abstract

The presented article provides an in-depth systemic analysis of the architecture and functional capabilities of the national Space Situation Control and Analysis System (SSCAS) within the framework of implementing the tasks of the National Space Program of Ukraine. The relevance of the study is driven by the rapid militarization and commercialization of near-Earth space, which necessitates the state’s possession of independent and high-precision tools for monitoring the space environment to guarantee national security and protect state interests. The object of the study is the process of ballistic and navigational support for spacecraft (SC) control and the maintenance of space object (SO) catalogs. The work details the role of the SSCAS as a multi-component information system performing tasks of identification, tracking, and motion prediction in real-time. Particular attention is paid to the hierarchical structure of the system, identifying a specialized subsystem for the centralized management of all measurement complexes included in its composition. The scientific novelty of the study lies in the formalization of criteria for assessing the quality of SSCAS functioning through a three-dimensional vector of indicators: functional result (Pf ), resource costs (Vr ), and time factor (T). The author substantiates a specific approach to prioritizing these indicators within the context of national security. It is proven that when performing strategic tasks, the cost component (Vr ) is secondary compared to operational efficiency (T) and the accuracy of object identification (Pf ), as the cost of an error in ballistic calculations could lead to the loss of expensive space assets or threats to national security. The article provides a detailed analysis of a group of factors directly correlating with the system’s functioning quality: from geospatial configuration (territorial distribution of observation points) to the technical characteristics of communication channels. A separate point highlights the complexity of the system's interconnections with the external environment, including the impact of ionospheric interference and anthropogenic orbital debris on the accuracy of radio- technical measurements. Based on the analysis results, the critical necessity of establishing stringent requirements for the SSCAS during its integration with radio-technical spacecraft control systems is identified. It is established that further modernization of the system should be aimed at increasing the automation of identification processes and reducing the time lag between object detection and the issuance of target designations to the information consumer. The conclusions of the article can be utilized in developing prospective plans for the development of ground-based space infrastructure and improving the management algorithms for complex technical systems.