Several employees of commercial space companies have stated since early 2025 that there is wide support in the industry for Traccs because it would level the playing field. Industry observers widely viewed the moves as an attempt by Elon Musk to privatize space traffic control.
The VCM data is designated as controlled unclassified information and was closely held by the military because it could expose the limits of defense capabilities. The military largely uses radars and data for monitoring other countries' satellite positions, while also tracking commercial spacecraft and objects to avoid collisions.
The VCM data is valuable to Starlink because the company uses its own Stargaze system to track other satellites and space objects. In return for the data, the government is receiving access to Stargaze cameras and sensors.
“The Space Force is engaging with several companies to exchange commercial data sources for access to sections of the controlled, unclassified information, high accuracy catalogue, where it provides benefit to the US government,” a spokesperson told the outlet.
This data access raises new national security questions and industry concerns over greater control of the space industry. The move comes at a crossroads for Traccs as the administration, Congress, and industry debate what to do next.
Several employees of commercial space companies have told since early 2025 that there is wide support in the industry for Traccs because it would level the playing field.
The administration in fiscal year 2026 tried to largely defund the $65m program during the budgetary process, but Congress re-inserted the funding.
The administration has again proposed slashing the budget to nearly zero in fiscal year 2027, but the House again reinserted the funding.