NZ expects bigger role in US-led space security network

New Zealand expects the reach of a top US-led space security network to widen - but broadening the country's participation will probably need ministerial sign-off.

Cabinet papers detail how in August New Zealand signed on for another two years inside Operation Olympic Defender, albeit at what is called a "minimum" level of one liaison officer in America and cooperation from the NZDF Space Operations Centre.

The operation encompassing the Five Eyes countries, and France and Germany, aims to keep space assets working by preventing "attack and interference".

"There is already activity in space that threatens or interferes with satellite systems," said the proactively released papers.

The probability of conflict in space has risen with the US admitting recently it has weapons in low-earth orbit, and it regularly accusing China and Russia of developing space weapons of various kinds.

Olympic Defender group shares communications, satellite navigation and collecting intelligence. Personnel are involved in planning activities and exercises.

The Cabinet paper anticipated further development and planning of "wider space-related activities" by Olympic Defender.

"Approval from the Minister of Defence will be sought to participate in the development and planning of these initiatives where there is benefit to New Zealand ... and where these opportunities have policy, political or reputational implications."

The defence ministry would seek direction from the minister if there were "substantial developments" that might mean New Zealand's role in Olympic Defender went beyond policy parameters.

"Participation is guided by New Zealand's interests and strategic objectives, and ... limited by national caveats that reflect ... policy and legal settings.

"Member nations retain command of their own personnel and determine their participation in activities thourgh national policy, legal and operational caveats."

Withdrawing from the network would not save money and taking part in it offered significant strategic benefits including access to "capabilities of larger partners".

New Zealand had skin in the space game, it said: "A degradation of space-based services would have critical impacts on military capabilities and the economy, affecting logistics, supply chains, communication networks, electricity distribution, emergency services, intelligence collection."

Taking part also lined up with Cabinet's intent to "apply renewed focus to traditional like-minded partnerships".

The NZDF has two tiny research units in space launched alongside US Navy experiments.