NATO should seek to enforce procurement standards, collaborate with industry, and promote cross-domain integration. Embedding mitigation, adaptation and resilience across policy and operations is essential to maintain strategic advantage in space.
NATO’s ability to secure its space-based assets hinges on adopting a comprehensive strategy that aligns with the three-tiered framework of mitigation, adaptation and resilience. The framework proposed in this paper serves as a guiding principle for addressing the challenges posed by the increasingly contested and interconnected space and cyber domains. NATO must focus on ensuring that its space assets are resilient, secure and capable of recovering quickly from disruptions.
Beyond the recommendations outlined in the three-tiered framework, the following recommendations aim to address the challenges in the space-cyber domain while considering the feasibility and prioritization of actions within NATO’s framework:
- Implement industry-based practices and restrict who can access space assets as part of a layered defence approach.
As discussed in the section on mitigation, securing space assets requires comprehensive life cycle-focused cybersecurity measures. NATO should establish rigorous procurement standards for space-related systems and mandate practices including cryptographic encryption, post-quantum readiness and intrusion detection. These measures, supported by industry standards, directly address the vulnerabilities posed by the alliance’s reliance on civilian and commercial systems.
- Share best practices and lessons learned among members.
Given the diversity in national approaches to space and cybersecurity within NATO, fostering knowledge exchange is essential. By learning from successful mitigation and adaptation efforts across the alliance, for example through NATO’s Joint Analysis and Lessons Learned Centre, NATO can harmonize its approaches and develop robust responses to shared challenges.
- Make good use of the NATO Space Technology Centre in order to support NATO missions and operations.
The centre provides a unique opportunity to integrate advancements in AI, quantum technologies and cryptography into NATO’s space-based operations. Using this platform to develop proactive and reactive capabilities will help NATO to address emerging threats while ensuring its technological edge.
- Establish policies with commercial actors to tap into non-military research and innovation.
With more than 70 per cent of NATO’s satellite communications provided by the commercial sector, the private space industry plays a critical role in NATO’s operational readiness. Building stronger partnerships ensures that commercial assets align with NATO’s security requirements while fostering innovation and diversity in technological solutions.
- Encourage and facilitate increased collaboration between the space and cyber domains within NATO.
As emphasized throughout the paper, the space and cyber domains are inherently interconnected. Establishing cross-cutting teams and initiatives, such as those focused on joint training and knowledge-sharing, will enhance the alliance’s ability to address threats that span these domains.
Conclusion
The rapid evolution of warfare, security and national resilience is increasingly shaped by advancements in technology, cyber capabilities and the militarization of space. These shifts are happening simultaneously and are taking place against a backdrop of heightened geopolitical tensions, with both state and non-state actors seeking to exploit vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure. In this context, the space–cyber nexus is no longer a theoretical concern but a real and pressing security challenge.
NATO also faces mounting strategic uncertainties, including shifting defence priorities among key member states, evolving national policies on space security, and increasing reliance on commercial space assets. These factors raise critical questions about NATO’s ability to maintain collective defence commitments in the space domain.
Recent events, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, have highlighted how vulnerable space-based assets are to cyberattacks, underscoring the urgent need to protect them from disruption. Cyberattacks on space-based assets can disrupt military operations, interfere with communications and have spillover impacts on civilian infrastructure. As NATO and its members deepen their reliance on space-based systems, the urgency of securing these assets against cyberthreats has never been greater.
While NATO has made strides in developing space and cyber capabilities, the framework proposed in this paper presents a new way of conceptualizing space cybersecurity within the alliance and more broadly, helping to bridge technical resilience with strategic policy responses.
By embedding the principles of mitigation, adaptation and resilience into the space and cyber strategies of both NATO and its members, the alliance can strengthen its overarching defence posture, enhance operational continuity and safeguard the integrity of its space infrastructure. Securing space-based assets is not just a technical necessity but a strategic imperative that will shape NATO’s ability to deter threats, respond to crises and remain relevant in the years ahead.
