The move would see Portugal contribute satellites from its national Atlantic Constellation project to NATO’s Alliance Persistent Surveillance from Space (APSS) initiative, which combines national and commercial satellite systems to provide continuous intelligence and surveillance for allied operations. According to Portugal’s Armed Forces General Staff, the procedures needed to define the country’s participation are currently being developed.

Portugal has been steadily expanding its space capabilities in recent months. In March, the country launched two satellites as part of the Atlantic Constellation, including a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite operated by the Portuguese Air Force. Unlike conventional optical satellites, SAR technology can capture high-resolution images day or night and through cloud cover, making it particularly valuable for defence, maritime surveillance and emergency response.

The country’s investment continued in June with the purchase of two additional high-resolution SAR satellites from Finnish company ICEYE, which are expected to be launched later this year. Portugal’s national component of the Atlantic Constellation is ultimately expected to include at least 16 satellites.

More than military surveillance

While APSS has been developed to improve NATO’s intelligence and situational awareness, satellite data has a much broader range of applications.

One often overlooked benefit is its use during natural disasters. High-resolution radar satellites can monitor wildfires, floods, coastal erosion and severe weather, while also supporting search and rescue operations and helping authorities assess damage when ground access is limited. The same technology is increasingly used to monitor shipping routes, illegal fishing and environmental changes across Europe’s coastline.

NATO launched the APSS programme in 2023 to create what it describes as a virtual constellation of national and commercial satellites operating together under the name Aquila. The initiative already includes 19 Allied nations, with participating countries collectively contributing the equivalent of more than US$1 billion in space capabilities. Spain recently became the latest member, and Portugal is now preparing to follow.

Portugal’s growing role in space also reflects a wider trend within NATO, which has significantly increased investment in space-based surveillance, communications and defence technologies as geopolitical tensions continue to rise. Recent NATO initiatives include expanded satellite surveillance programmes, drone capabilities and greater cooperation between Allied space assets.

If Portugal completes its accession to APSS, it would represent another milestone in the country’s expanding aerospace sector and further integrate Portuguese space technology into NATO’s collective defence and security network.