Estonia to host Europe's premier space cybersecurity hub

Estonia to host Europe's premier space cybersecurity hub
by Erica Marchand
Paris, France (SPX) Jan 24, 2025

The European Space Agency (ESA) has partnered with the Estonian Space Office to establish a state-of-the-art space cyber range designed to bolster the security and accessibility of Europe's space technologies. Following an industry-wide call for proposals last year, a contract has been awarded to a consortium led by Spaceit to spearhead the development of this cutting-edge facility.

The space cyber range will provide a controlled and cost-efficient platform for space companies to test, validate, and enhance secure satellite technologies. It will also facilitate cyber training and exercises. This environment, akin to a highly advanced simulator, allows companies to create digital replicas of their satellites and systems. These replicas enable the identification of vulnerabilities and the simulation of responses to cyber threats before deploying hardware into orbit.

Estonia's digital expertise drives the project forward

As a globally acknowledged leader in digital innovation and cybersecurity, Estonia is an ideal location for this initiative. Home to NATO's cyber defence centre, the country will host the facility at Foundation CR14, its national cyber range. The project brings together a diverse array of expertise, with Spaceit collaborating alongside CybExer, CGI Eesti, and the University of Tartu. Unlike similar facilities, this cyber range is uniquely tailored to support NewSpace small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Funded under ESA's Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES) programme, specifically the Space Systems for Safety and Security (4S) initiative, the project represents an investment exceeding euro 2.5 million. This effort underscores ESA's dedication to safeguarding Europe's digital infrastructure and fostering innovation within the space sector.

The contract for the project was officially signed on January 23 in Tallinn by Laurent Jaffart, ESA's Director of Connectivity and Secure Communications, and Silver Lodi, a Management Board Member of Spaceit. Development activities are already underway, with interest in the facility expressed by satellite manufacturers, telecom operators, and research institutions from several European nations, including Hungary, Estonia, Italy, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland.

Addressing emerging cybersecurity challenges

Laurent Jaffart highlighted the increasing threat posed by cyberattacks to essential infrastructure reliant on satellite connectivity. "Over the past five years, there has been a significant increase in cyberattacks, emphasising the growing risks for sectors such as energy grids, emergency responders, and other critical infrastructure dependent on satellite connectivity," he said. "Estonia's proven leadership in cybersecurity makes it the ideal home for this facility. This initiative will improve cybersecurity knowledge across the sector and help elevate Europe's digital future."

Christophe Allemand, ESA's Head of Space Systems for Safety and Security, stressed the facility's importance for the industry. "This cyber range provides the practical testing environment our space sector needs. Companies can conduct critical security exercises, validate their satellite systems before launch, and gain the expertise needed to protect their space assets. This is essential infrastructure for building secure, resilient space systems."

Silver Lodi of Spaceit expressed enthusiasm about leading the project. "It is an exceptional occasion to lead a group of companies in developing such a crucial project for the space ecosystem as the Space Cyber Range. Our aim is to engage more organisations internationally along the way, as we foresee continued industry growth. We also recognise the need for technologies to be tested and personnel to be educated to ensure the resilience of space infrastructure against various threats."