Directed by NATO’s Joint Warfare Centre, STEADFAST DUEL 2026 tested NATO’s regional defense plans in a simulated Article 5 collective defense scenario, with operations spanning the land, air, maritime, space and cyberspace domains.

The Space domain is an essential component of multi-domain operations. Integrating space-related expertise into operational planning and training helps strengthen understanding of the space environment and supports effective coordination across domains.

Through its contribution, the NATO Space COE reinforces its commitment to sharing expertise, supporting NATO training and exercises, and helping Allied forces prepare for evolving operational challenges!

The workshop brought together stakeholders involved in the development, use and oversight of rendezvous and proximity operations (RPOs) to examine the security risks associated with uncooperative RPOs, including the potential for misunderstanding, unintended escalation and impacts on spaceflight safety.

Discussions explored practical approaches to reducing these risks, drawing on existing international law, UN guidelines, national governance frameworks, and industry best practices. Particular attention was given to measures that can strengthen predictability and confidence, including consultation and consent, advance notification, safe separation and trajectories, effective communication, and improved sharing of orbital data.

The NATO Space Centre of Excellence appreciated the opportunity to contribute to this timely discussion on promoting safe, responsible, and sustainable space operations.

This year’s symposium provided a valuable platform to discuss the evolving role of Space in defence, from emerging threats and operational challenges to protection, deterrence and action in orbit.

A key contribution was made by Colonel Patrick Heim, Director of the NATO Space COE, who joined Julien Jamaux, European Commission – DG DEFIS, for a fireside discussion addressing a critical question:
“Is European and Allied cooperation on Defensive Counterspace Operations possible?”

This discussion highlighted the importance of cooperation, interoperability, and a shared understanding of the evolving Space environment. As Space becomes increasingly central to defence and military operations, strengthening dialogue between NATO, European institutions, Allies, and other stakeholders is essential to building a resilient and effective approach to Space security.

The exercise brought together personnel from six Allied nations—Portugal, Spain, France, the Netherlands, the United States, and the United Kingdom — alongside with NATO Space Operations Centre and NATO Space Centre of Excellence representations.

The active participation of the NATO Space COE contributed to achieving the exercise’s core strategic goals. As NATO’s catalyst for space expertise, doctrine, and capability transformation, the NATO Space COE supported the exercise providing space expertise, knowledge sharing and the collection of best practices and improvement opportunities.

Through collaborative training in exercises like SPACE EX26, NATO and Allied Nations:
Validate operating procedures and command-and-control interoperability across orbital surveillance and space data management.
Build operational trust and shared threat awareness, strengthening the deterrence and defense of critical space assets.
Share data, sensor capabilities, and operational insights to enhance collective awareness across orbits.

The event bringing together government leaders, senior defence officials, industry representatives, analysts, and experts from across the transatlantic community to discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of European defence.

Our Deputy Director, Lt. Col. Björn Rückold, joined the panel “Strengthening Alliances: International Cooperation in Space Security”, contributing to discussions on the importance of cooperation, interoperability, and stronger partnerships in addressing the challenges facing the space domain.

For the NATO Space COE, engaging with the wider space community is an essential part of our mission.By bringing together expertise from across NATO, Allies, partners, and industry, we contribute to strengthening knowledge.

The Summit provided an excellent platform to exchange perspectives on the opportunities and challenges ahead, while highlighting the importance of international cooperation, and a shared understanding of the space environment.

This year’s theme, “From Awareness to Action: Embedding Space in NATO Operations,” emphasises the increasing significance of space in defence, resilience, and multinational coordination. Participants engage in thought-provoking keynote addresses and panel discussions that highlight emerging developments, key challenges, and operational opportunities shaping NATO’s future in the space domain.

During the first sub theme, Escalation Management and Effective Deterrence in Space, the discussions have centered on one of the most pressing challenges of our time, exploring how embedding space capabilities into NATO operations enhances security and readiness.

Then, the relevant topic under discussion was: Operationalising Space in a Multi-Domain Context. As the Alliance moves toward seamless integration across all domains, today’s sessions highlighted how space capabilities are the glue that binds land, maritime, air, and cyber operations together.

The final day focused on a critical frontier for Allied defense: Integrating Capabilities in Space: Dual-Use Solutions and Challenges. Discussions highlighted the vital synergy between institutional leadership, military requirements, and industrial innovation.

On the sidelines of the conference we organized, where he contributed as a distinguished speaker, Lt Gen Zellmann had the opportunity to:

• Discover our core missions and ongoing activities,
• Visit our facilities and engage with our teams,
• Exchange insights on key space security challenges.
  
  These discussions led to fruitful conversations on strengthening synergies and enhancing collaboration between US Space Command and the NATO Space COE.
  
  This visit highlights the importance of transatlantic cooperation in the space domain and reinforces our shared commitment to ensuring a secure and resilient space environment.