Estonian Consortium Develops World's First Space Cyber Range in Collaboration with ESA

The Spaceit-led consortium has signed a multimillion-euro, multiyear contract with the European Space Agency (ESA) to develop the world’s first space cyber range. This initiative will enable companies in the space sector to test their technology, conduct training, and enhance their cyber defense capabilities.

Estonian companies Spaceit, CybExer Technologies, CGI Estonia, and the University of Tartu have signed an agreement with the European Space Agency (ESA) to develop a Space Cyber Range under the ESA strategic programme line on Space Systems for Safety and Security – ARTES 4S.

Today, the services and competitiveness of many sectors rely heavily on satellites. As technology advances, new threats have emerged alongside traditional risks such as technical malfunctions, GNSS jamming, and satellite collisions. With human-induced threats in space becoming increasingly significant, the European Space Agency is focusing on mitigating these risks using emerging new technologies.

To enhance the security of space and its related industries, a consortium of several Estonian organizations is developing a space cyber testing and training ground. The consortium includes Spaceit, CybExer Technologies, CGI Estonia, and the University of Tartu. Expected to open in 2026 in Tallinn, the solutions will be based at the CR14 Foundation premises.

“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,” said Laurent Jaffart, ESA’s Director of Connectivity and Secure Communications. “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.”

Silver Lodi, CEO of Spaceit, emphasized the increasing importance of cybersecurity for space infrastructure due to the growing reliance on space technology and global political tensions. "The new range will enable us to simulate specific space-related environments and potential threats, validate various industry-specific components and processes, and contribute to the development of expertise in space cyber defense," he stated.

Estonian entrepreneurs reach the European Space Agency through the Space Estonia at the Enterprise Estonia, whose central task is advising entrepreneurs and mediating suitable calls for tenders.

“In the field of cyber security, Estonian companies are known and recognised by the European Space Agency. This is a strong indicator that a small country like ours has the knowledge and skills to become a leader at a European scale in the implementation of space services, management of threats, development of autonomous robots and ensuring the cyber security of the space sector,” said Madis Võõras, the head of the Space Estonia.