[Via Satellite 01-30-2015] The U.S. Strategic Command (Stratcom) signed a technical arrangement with Germany to share Space Situational Awareness (SSA) services and information. The arrangement, signed by Maj. Gen. David D. Thompson, Stratcom director of plans and policy, and German army Brig. Gen. Dirk H. Backen, the defense attaché at the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Washington, D.C., will enable and enhance each nation’s awareness within the space domain and increase the safety of their spaceflight operations.

Germany joins the United Kingdom, South Korea, France, Canada, Italy, Japan and Australia, and two international organizations, the European Space Agency (ESA) and the European Organization for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (Eumetsat), already participating in SSA data sharing with the United States. Additionally, Stratcom leaders have signed agreements with 46 commercial entities in 16 countries.

SSA data sharing enhances multinational space cooperation and streamlines the process for Stratcom partners to request specific information gathered by its Joint Space Operations Center at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. The information is crucial for launch support, satellite maneuver planning, support for on-orbit