NATO explores ways to better protect commercial partners in space
On Wednesday (2 October), NATO, Allied space experts and space industry representatives gathered at NATO Headquarters in Brussels to address how to increase the protection of commercial partners against hybrid threats.
Over the past decade, the commercial space sector has grown substantially, driven by rapid advances in technology and higher demand from both civilian and military users. However, new opportunities in space come with new risks, vulnerabilities and threats.
During the Commercial Space Forum at NATO, participants discussed the threats they face, from cyber-attacks against ground systems, to jamming or spoofing of GPS and other satellite communications signals. They also addressed the importance of further investment in areas such as cybersecurity and sharing information about threats.
NATO Assistant Secretary General for Defence Investment, Ms Tarja Jaakkola, highlighted the need for a new relationship between the military and the commercial sector, “where both sides can learn from another, and where we can support and harness the entrepreneurial spirit and technological innovation essential to keep our defences strong and effective.”
The Forum will help frame NATO’s first Commercial Space Strategy next year, which will include direction for the protection of industry partners.