NATO launches initiative to integrate satellites

NATO has launched a new initiative aimed at integrating satellites owned by eight member states into a “mega constellation” that improves high-speed communications, intelligence, and missile tracking. 

The new Hybrid Alliance Layered Operations in Space (HALO) initiative was announced by NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska at the NATO Summit Defence Industry Forum in Ankara, Turkey on 7 July.  

HALO is intended to overcome the “cost, time, and coverage limitations” associated with a single country’s satellite fleet.  

While NATO has not publicly announced the countries taking part, the alliance says that the initiative will focus on connecting both sovereign, nationally owned and controlled military satellites.  

What other space-based announcements were made?  

Alongside HALO, a range of further space-related news was announced at the forum.  

In one announcement, Canada was unveiled as the newest member of NATO’s ‘Starlift’ initiative. Starlift, launched in October 2024, aims to develop a network of capabilities to help NATO member states launch assets into space at short notice.  

Including Canada, 15 countries are now members of the project, such as France, Germany, Turkey, the UK, and the US. 

Turkey’s space capabilities  

In another announcement, Turkey revealed plans to develop two high-resolution Earth observation satellites that will “complement” its current space capabilities. In a contract worth over USD300 million, the satellites will be built by the Tübiták Space Institute. These new satellites are intended to complement the country’s current ‘Imece’ Earth observation satellite, launched in April 2023.  

Through a new USD350 million contract with Aselsan, Turkey will also invest into the development of low orbital satellites for military communications. The contract additionally covers the procurement of early warning radar systems from the company. 

Spain joins surveillance initiative  

Additionally, Spain revealed it has joined NATO’s Alliance Persistent Surveillance from Space (APSS) initiative. This project is designed to provide NATO with surveillance data to support operations and decision-making. Spain will contribute coastal surveillance from its ‘Atlantic Constellation’ satellites. 

Launched in 2022, NATO says the APSS initiative is the “largest multinational investment” in space-based capabilities in its history.  

Industry announcement 

Also at the forum, Germany-based satellite launch service provider Isar Aerospace signed a USD140 million contract with Canadian SME Maritime Launch Services.  

As part of the contract, Isar Aerospace will build a dedicated complex for its ‘Spectrum’ launch vehicle at the Canadian company’s Nova Scotia spaceport near Canso, Canada.