Space Operations Command (Italy)

The Space Operations Command (Comando Operazioni Spaziali - COS) is a military command within the Italian Air Force responsible for coordinating and managing Italy's space-related activities and assets for defense and security purposes. Its establishment reflects the growing importance of space-based capabilities for national security, intelligence gathering, and strategic communications.

The COS is tasked with ensuring the protection of Italian space assets from threats, including those arising from hostile states or non-state actors, as well as natural space weather events. It also plays a role in contributing to international space situational awareness efforts, collaborating with allied nations and organizations to track and monitor objects in orbit. Furthermore, the command is involved in the development of national space policies and strategies, working closely with other government agencies and the Italian space industry. It contributes to the planning and execution of joint military operations where space-based assets provide crucial support. While primarily focused on defense and security, the COS also acknowledges the importance of space for economic and scientific progress.