NATO adopted an overarching space policy in June 2019 and declared space an operational domain in December 2019 (London). This does not mean that NATO will own satellites itself or place weapons in space, but that space gets a permanent place in planning, exercises and defence.
| When | Decision |
|---|---|
| Jun. 2019 | Overarching NATO space policy (public summary in 2022) |
| Dec. 2019 | Space becomes an operational domain |
| Oct. 2020 | NATO Space Centre established at Allied Air Command in Ramstein |
| Jun. 2021 | Brussels summit: an attack to, from or within space may lead to invoking Article 5 — to be assessed case by case |
| Feb. 2023 | Launch of APSS (Alliance Persistent Surveillance from Space) |
| Feb. 2026 | AJP-3.3 Ed. C — Air and Space Operations |
Key point
NATO's starting point is defensive and in line with international law. The satellites remain with the member states (and companies); NATO coordinates, plans and protects.