The thought of such a large object – approximately 18,000 pounds – re-entering Earth’s atmosphere, has caused concern in some circles. “We are tracking the Tiangong-1, as well as 23,000 other objects in space, to ensure the safe and responsible use of space,” Walsh said. The space station is now in a decaying orbit, and is estimated to return to Earth in April. One of the many objects they have been tracking is Tiangong-1, a Chinese space station launched in 2011. The services include launch collision avoidance, launch support, on-orbit conjunction assessment and collision avoidance, end-of-life disposal, de-orbit support, and re-entry assessment.
This data allows the 18th SPCS to provide a wide range of spaceflight safety services to the Department of Defense, launch agencies, satellite operators, and interagency and Allied partners. The 18th Space Control Squadron maintains the space catalog. Foundational SSA includes maintaining the space catalog by tracking more than 23,000 man-made objects in orbit and detecting activities in space. “We deliver foundational Space Situational Awareness to assure global freedom of action in space,” said Lt. The 18th SPCS is one of the 21st Space Wing’s many geographically separated units, carrying out part of the Wing’s space surveillance mission.
Part of keeping pace in that environment includes tracking the approximately 1,800 active satellites and myriad other man-made objects orbiting the Earth - a substantial task the Airmen at the 18th Space Control Squadron do not take lightly. “To keep pace in this contested, degraded and operationally-limited environment, real-time orbit determination, change detection and custody are foundational.” “This requires constant vigilance, strong partnerships and active participation,” he said. David Buck, former 14th Air Force commander, said at the Air Force Research Laboratory space situational awareness conference Sept. The Air Force relies on Airmen around the globe to monitor space, and maintain the Air Force presence in space.