Abstract
Space domain awareness (SDA) is a critical component of modern military space operations, encompassing the ability to detect, track, and characterize objects in Earth's orbit, as well as understanding the various effects and factors that influence activities within the space domain. This includes both human-made objects (e.g., satellites, debris, and spacecraft) and natural space phenomena (e.g., space weather and its operational impact). The evolving challenges in the space domain, such as the increasing congestion of orbital pathways and the rise of potential adversarial actions, require a workforce that is not only technically proficient but also adept in operational strategy. A major milestone was reached in 2019 with NATO’s adoption of a Space Policy, officially recognizing space as a distinct operational domain alongside land, air, sea, and cyberspace. Meanwhile, the establishment of space forces such as the United States Space Force (USSF), further underlines the growing strategic importance of space.
With the expansion of space activities and increasing reliance on space-based infrastructure, the number of military personnel involved in space operations has naturally grown. These developments have led to a significant increase in educational initiatives and training programs tailored to the unique demands of the space domain. Consequently, the space sector today is vastly different from the landscape of a decade ago, with more rapid advancements and a growing need for specialized expertise in areas such as space situational awareness (SSA) and satellite operations. Accordingly, this paper explores the educational and training methodologies for SDA, with an emphasis on innovative approaches to improve learning effectiveness and operational preparedness. By exploring a ‘training needs analysis’ (TNA) and a ‘training media analysis’ (TMA) through a literature-based approach, this paper aims to identify essential skills and determine the most effective educational and training modalities.