Combined Space Operations Initiative Principals' Board Meets to Advance Combined Operations Efforts

May 12, 2026 |

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.

U.S., U.K. Demonstrate Partnership During First On-Orbit Operation

Sept. 19, 2025 | By U.S. Space Command |

U.S. Space Command and United Kingdom Space Command conducted their first coordinated satellite maneuver from Sept. 4 to 12, demonstrating the alliance's readiness to conduct dynamic, responsible and integrated space operations.

 
The Rendezvous Proximity Operation, delivered under Multinational Force – Operation Olympic Defender, repositioned a U.S. satellite to examine a U.K. satellite and assure our ally of its nominal operation in orbit. 
 
"This operation was a first of its kind for U.K. Space Command and represents a significant increase in operational capability," said Royal Air Force Maj. Gen. Paul Tedman, U.K. Space Command commander. "Expertly executed with U.S. Space Command, I could not be more pleased or proud of the rapid progress we are making with our allies in Multinational Force – Operation Olympic Defender. We are now, with our allies, conducting advanced orbital operations to protect and defend our shared national and military interests in space." 
 
The long-standing interoperability between the U.K. and the U.S. extends into space through continuous security cooperation, information sharing and exercises. The U.K. was also among the first nations to join the Spacecom-led coalition alongside the U.S., with the purpose of unifying combined space operations, should they ever be needed in conflict. The coordinated on-orbit maneuver marks the continued progress in maturing the Olympic Defender cooperation framework. 

 
"This coordinated maneuver between two allies validated the interoperability that's foundational to our collective defense," said Space Force Lt. Gen. Douglas Schiess, commander of U.S. Space Forces-Space and Spacecom's Combined Joint Force Space Component Command. "The confirmation of the [Multinational Force]'s combined military might on-orbit delivers a credible deterrent in the increasingly contested space domain." 
 
Schiess said space is a team sport, and no nation can accomplish all that is required to meet its objectives there alone. Cooperation between the U.S. and the U.K. provides a more comprehensive understanding of the congested and complex space environment, as well as opportunities to maintain readiness for major engagements, and ensures safe and responsible space operations. 
 
"The success of this multidomain operation represents the warfighting advantage realized by employing our capabilities and expertise as one unified team," said Space Force Gen. Stephen Whiting, commander of Spacecom and Olympic Defender. "Though our opponents may attempt to replicate the value of such cooperation, our partnerships are uniquely defined by not only the mutual goal of deterring aggression but a shared pledge to fight and win shoulder to shoulder, if necessary."