# Department of Commerce Evaluates TraCSS Funding

The U.S. Department of Commerce is currently reviewing the future funding and operational model of the Traffic Coordination System for Space (TraCSS), a nearly decade-long $200 million pilot program aimed at transitioning space traffic coordination from the Department of Defense to civilian control. Congressional appropriations for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 have partially restored funding, but the program remains in a pilot phase with unresolved integration of commercial space situational awareness data and an unclear long-term strategy. This ongoing evaluation presents procurement opportunities for contractors specializing in space situational awareness services as agencies seek sustainable solutions to manage increasing orbital congestion and collision risks.

- The Department of Commerce and Office of Space Commerce lead TraCSS efforts, with involvement from DoD, Space Force, and U.S. Space Command.
- Contractors such as COMPOC, Kayhan Space, LeoLabs, Slingshot Aerospace, and SpaceNav have roles in supporting TraCSS pilot activities and commercial data integration.
- Procurement professionals should note the uncertain future funding and strategic direction, indicating potential upcoming solicitations or contract modifications.
- Companies offering advanced space traffic management technologies and commercial data integration capabilities may find emerging opportunities as the government seeks to establish a sustainable civilian-led space traffic coordination system.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military, Information Technology
**Topics:** Digital Infrastructure, Contracting Vehicles
**Published:** September 14, 2026

### Government Entities
- Department of Commerce (DOC)
- Office of Space Commerce (OSC)
- Department of Defense (DoD)
- Space Force
- U.S. Space Command (USSPACECOM)

### Vendors
- COMPOC (contractor)
- Kayhan Space (contractor)
- LeoLabs (contractor)
- Slingshot Aerospace (contractor)
- SpaceNav (contractor)

### Key Quotes
> We have concluded that the current implementation of TraCSS for space traffic coordination and management is misaligned, severely misaligned, with the policy that established it, SPD-3, and we’re not sure why it is continuing down the path it is on.
> — Jim Cooper, Leader, SSA Business, COMPOC

### Sources
- [US discusses future of TraCSS space traffic coordination system | UA.NEWS](https://ua.news/en/world/u-ssha-obgovoriuiut-maibutnie-sistemi-koordinatsiyi-kosmichnogo-rukhu-tracss) - UA.NEWS
- [Whither TraCSS? DoD, industry face hard choices in showdown over Commerce spacewatch effort - Breaking Defense](https://breakingdefense.com/2026/09/wither-tracss-dod-industry-face-hard-choices-in-showdown-over-commerce-spacewatch-effort) - Breaking Defense