RAMSTEIN, Germany - The space domain has rapidly evolved from a realm of scientific exploration to a strategic arena. From civilian industry to military operations and individual use, dependence on space-enabled technology impacts almost all aspects of modern day life.
Enhancements in space capabilities provide support to many facets of our lives; navigation aids in modern vehicles, maritime and air assets, all rely on precision Global Positioning Systems (GPS). Communication from mobile phones to video conferencing; hospital, emergency services, stock markets, trading, intelligence gathering and sharing all utilise space assets for efficiency, speed and accuracy. The space domain is innovative and competitive, with emerging technologies and opportunities, and NATO remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting and preserving freedom of action in space.
In 2019, Space was recognized as an operational domain alongside air, land, maritime and cyber and the NATO Space Centre (NSpC) opened in 2020. Photo by Allied Air Command.
The NATO Space Operations Centre (NSpOC), along with the Combined Force Space Component Command (CFSpCC) are located at Allied Air Command Ramstein. Photo by Allied Air Command
NATO established the NATO Space Centre (NSpC) in 2020, after it formally recognized Space as an operational domain alongside air, land, maritime and cyber in 2019. With the continued growth of the Space Domain within NATO, the NSpC evolved to become the NATO Space Operations Centre (NSpOC), under the Combined Force Space Component Command (CFSpCC). Both elements are located at Allied Air Command Ramstein (Germany) and are supported with expertise from 16 Allied nations.
With new opportunities come evolving threats, and space is already a contested and congested domain. The Alliance is working to develop a comprehensive approach to space security, with the CFSpCC and NSpOC serving as focal points for this work on behalf of the Alliance - coordinating efforts, operations and fostering cooperation with partner nations and commercial industry. As the space domain continues to develop, NATO remains vigilant in addressing both the challenges and opportunities presented.