The Combined Space Operations (CSpO) Initiative Principals’ Board convened on April 17, 2026, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Senior representatives from Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States met to address the rapidly evolving security dynamics of the space domain.
Principals noted that the space domain has become more complex and less secure. While space systems underpin our economies and societies, space is increasingly contested by actors who continue to develop offensive capabilities that put our shared interests at risk.
Emphasizing the urgency created by the changing global security environment, Principals concurred on reviewing their approach to ensure that the Initiative remains fit for purpose. Moving forward, members will further prioritize and align the Initiative’s activities to protect and defend the freedom of access and use of outer space.
The CSpO Initiative will redouble its efforts to deliver capabilities in support of combined operations, with a particular focus on Multi-National Force Operation OLYMPIC DEFENDER (MNF-OOD). Established in 2013 to synchronize efforts to strengthen resilience and deterrence against malicious acts in space, MNF-OOD recently successfully demonstrated the collective ability of allied nations to detect events in space, including threats to space systems. By aligning these multinational efforts, the CSpO Initiative seeks to enhance collective security and operational readiness to respond to hostile space activities.
Senior officials are scheduled to reconvene in December 2026 in Oslo, Norway, to review progress on CSpO’s strategic objectives and ensure the Initiative remains responsive to the shifting security landscape.
New generation of ADF space personnel graduate
A new generation of Australian Defence Force (ADF) space personnel has graduated from Defence’s first space operations Initial Employment Training (IET) course. Sixteen ADF personnel from the Royal Australia Navy, Australian Army and Royal Australian Air Force marked the completion of their training at the Defence School of Space and Cyber, celebrating the start of their space careers with a graduation parade in Canberra.
Chief of Space and Cyber, Lieutenant General Susan Coyle AM CSC DSM, said the graduation marks a significant milestone for the ADF’s space capability. “Our space domain depends on skilled people who demonstrate the adaptability, technical expertise and integrated mindset to operate in a complex, rapidly evolving environment,” she said. “These space operations officers and specialists are the future of our space workforce and will play a key role in strengthening Australia’s security and prosperity.”
During the five-month course, graduates studied a range of space operations mission sets, including space domain awareness, satellite communications, missile warning and satellite operations.
Commander Space Command, Major General Gregory Novak AM, congratulated the graduates on their achievement. “These space operations officers and specialists will take up roles across Space Command, ready to contribute to our mission of generating and delivering ADF space power,” Major General Novak said.
Defence continues to expand its space workforce, with new roles emerging across operations, intelligence, engineering and cyber, offering opportunities to build specialist skills and contribute to Australia’s growing space capability.
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