• Space safety and security rely on accurate orbital data.
• Current data may only mitigate 7% of collision risk.
• Better data quality can reduce false alarms and improve decision-making.
• Advanced data fusion and analytics are needed to improve SSA.

The confidence deficit in space situational awareness may indicate a need for governments and industry to reassess their risk profiles and methods for predicting conjunctions. Improving data quality could enhance operational readiness and mission safety, which may become a vital strategic capability in the face of growing reliance on space-based assets.