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. 

During the visit, the Director of the NATO Space COE delivered a comprehensive briefing outlining our recent achievements, current lines of effort, and strategic priorities for the years ahead. The discussion highlighted the Centre’s growing role in strengthening Alliance space expertise, interoperability, and operational support.

Major General Tedman shared valuable insights into the latest developments in UK military space capabilities. As one of the Centre’s founding Sponsor Nations, the United Kingdom continues to play a pivotal role in advancing NATO’s space domain initiatives. The visit also included a tour of our newly established facilities, showcasing the enhanced infrastructure supporting our expanding mission.

The NATO Space COE was honored to welcome Major General James E. Smith, Commander of the US Space Force Space Training and Readiness Command (STARCOM), February 19th.

The NATO Space COE Director, Colonel Sylvain DEBARRE, and the team provided an in-depth look at the Centre’s missions and the vital contribution of our Divisions to NATO’s strategic objectives in the Space domain.

This visit was a prime opportunity to discuss potential synergies and future collaborations with STARCOM to enhance our collective readiness.

To engage with our event sponsors and attend the scheduled panel discussions, please reserve your ticket as early as possible via our website:

NATO Space COE Conference Website

During the conference we will explore three key areas of NATOs future in the space domain:

• Escalation Management and Effective Deterrence in Space

• Operationalising Space in a Multi-Domain Context: Maximising Effects Through Integration

• Integrating Capabilities in Space: Dual-Use Solutions and Challenges

Please register at your earliest convenience to secure your attendance.
The registration deadline is 2026 April 15!

The CBC – Cybersecurity Business Convention is a two-day professional event dedicated to cybersecurity, with this year a specific focus on the space sector through CYSAT. It brings together experts, companies, public authorities, startups, and emerging talent.

During his keynote, the Director presented the mission of the NATO Space Centre of Excellence and highlighted the key challenges of space and cybersecurity, explaining the close and strategic links that connect both domains and exploring future perspectives.

As the COE continues its path toward Full Operational Capability in early 2026, this biannual meeting offered a key moment to review progress and align future priorities.

Over two days, participants discussed:

• Updates on ongoing actions and projects across the COE’s divisions;
• Key achievements from this year;
• Upcoming actions and projects for 2026, including new collaborations.

ACT and ACO also provided updates on NATO’s evolving approach to Space, highlighting key priorities such as interoperability and multi-domain operations (MDO).

This Steering Committee was a great opportunity to align efforts, reinforce cooperation among the sponsoring nations, and keep shaping the COE’s contributions to NATO’s space posture.

Under the theme “Shaping NATO’s Future in an Era of Disruptive Change: The Role of Concept Development and Wargaming,” the conference:

• Presented updates on the year’s progress and experimentation results;
• Promoted the sharing of best practices;
• Explored current and future concept development initiatives.
• Strengthened cooperation across NATO, academia, industry, and Centres of Excellence.

Over three days, the conference featured plenary sessions, workshops, engaging speakers, and networking opportunities, offering insights into how concept development and wargaming shaping, and will continue to shape, future force development.

The CD&E Division contributed to discussions, sharing best practices and supported collaboration initiatives within NATO.