The NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA) has extended its contract with Planet Labs PBC, a top supplier of daily data and insights about Earth. Planet’s SkySat high-resolution satellite data will be used by the NCIA’s Alliance Persistent Surveillance from Space (APSS) program to support NATO activities.
“In a time of heightened global conflict, this ability to supply NATO is more critical than ever to reinforce multinational alliances and advance peace around the world through transparency and accountability from space,” Will Marshall, co-founder and chief executive officer of Planet. “We look forward to working with the APSS team as it continues to adopt new space technology to advance global security.”
The multi-year, multi-national APSS initiative seeks to improve NATO’s overall intelligence through space-based assets, enhance space-based intelligence sharing, and accelerate the collection, aggregation, and delivery of space-based data while also increasing speed, usability, and management efficiency. Additionally, APSS improves NATO’s interaction with emerging technologies, including as cloud computing and AI analytical tools, which are essential for effectively managing the increasing volume of space data at its disposal.
According to Laryssa Patten, Head of Space Technology Adoption and Resilience at NCIA, “space is critical for NATO, from supporting the navigation and tracking of forces, detecting missile launches, maintaining situational awareness, to ensuring effective command and control.” “New possibilities brought forward by Planet’s sub-daily tasking allow for monitoring of large areas of NATO interest, bolstering our technological advantage, and fulfilling our mission of preserving peace and security for nearly one billion people.”
