Speaking at NATO’s first Space Reverse Industry Day on Tuesday (20 February 2024), Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană highlighted the importance of cooperation with the commercial space industry to ensure Alliance security. “This is not a job for NATO alone. It is something we must do together,” he said.
Space companies from 21 NATO nations took part in the event, from satellite manufacturer and satellite communications companies to space robotics companies developing in-orbit servicing technologies. A large majority included start-ups, small- and medium-enterprises and non-traditional defence companies.
NATO’s first space policy was approved in 2019, and space officially became an operational domain that same year. Eighteen NATO Allies and Sweden will soon launch the “Alliance Persistent Surveillance from Space” initiative, which will help increase NATO’s data collection and use from commercial and national satellites and enhance NATO’s intelligence and surveillance picture.