The Combined Space Operations (CSpO) Initiative Principals’ Board met in Colorado in April – bringing together representatives from Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, the United Kingdom and the United States – to focus on the rapidly changing and increasingly contested space environment.
In a statement released by the Department of Defence, Australia said that space systems underpin national security but warned that threat actors are continuing to develop offensive capabilities.
“Emphasising the urgency created by the changing global security environment, principals concurred on reviewing their approach to ensure that the initiative remains fit for purpose,” Defence said.
“Moving forward, members will further prioritise and align the initiative’s activities to protect and defend the freedom of access and use of outer space.”
A major priority identified at the meeting was support for Multinational Force Operation Olympic Defender, which was established in 2013 to strengthen capabilities and deter potential adversaries in space.
CSpO participants said the operation demonstrated allied capabilities to detect threats targeting space systems. They said future efforts will focus on protecting the exploration, advancement and security of space operations.
CSpO officials are scheduled to meet again in Oslo in December this year.
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