Tallinn, 23.01.2025

The Spaceit-led consortium has signed a multimillion-euro, multiyear contract with the European Space Agency (ESA) to develop an innovative Space Cyber Testing and Training Ground. 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 Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES) strategic programme line on Space Systems for Safety and Security (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.

About the companies

Spaceit OÜ is an Estonian company providing software solutions for satellite operations and space cybersecurity. Founded in 2015, Spaceit makes space access affordable through efficient resource utilization, extensive ground station networks, and a flexible pay-as-you-go pricing model. Their platform ensures satellite missions benefit from automated operations, low latency, high data rates, and robust security. Spaceit operated OPS-SAT ORIOLE mission will launch in 2026 and will feature a thermal camera and an optical communication terminal in space and on the ground. Spaceit’s software is also utilized in large-scale live-fire cyber defense exercises (such as Locked Shields, organized by the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence, with over 3,000 participants). Learn more at https://www.spaceit.eu

CybExer Technologies OÜ
CybExer is the leading Cyber Range provider, specializing in advanced cybersecurity training and testing platforms. With a strong presence in military, governmental, and private sector cybersecurity, CybExer supports organizations worldwide in building cyber resilience through realistic simulation and training environments. Its expertise extends to securing critical domains, including AI-driven warfare, space security, and smart city infrastructure, enabling organizations to counter emerging threats and safeguard the integrity of complex digital environments. Learn more at https://cybexer.com

CGI
Founded in 1976, CGI is among the largest independent IT and business consulting services firms in the world. With 90,250 consultants and professionals across the globe, CGI delivers an end-to-end portfolio of capabilities, from strategic IT and business consulting to systems integration, managed IT and business process services and intellectual property solutions. CGI works with clients through a local relationship model complemented by a global delivery network that helps clients digitally transform their organizations and accelerate results. CGI Fiscal 2024 reported revenue is $14.68 billion and CGI shares are listed on the TSX (GIB.A) and the NYSE (GIB). Learn more at https://www.cgi.ee

University of Tartu
The University of Tartu is the oldest and largest university in Estonia. It is also the main centre for space-related education, research and development in the country. Tartu Observatory, an institute of the University of Tartu in the Faculty of Science and Technology, is wholly dedicated to the space domain, with activities ranging from astrophysics and Earth observation to developing autonomous lunar rovers and innovative space engineering solutions. Tartu Observatory also houses advanced space technology laboratories and facilities for providing research-based services. The implementation of a space cyber range would be vital for securing the safety of the space systems and also serve as a training environment, enabling future space engineers to acquire advanced competencies in safeguarding space systems. Learn more at https://kosmos.ut.ee

Foundation CR14 is one of Europe’s leading cyber innovation and defence hubs. CR14 specialises in large-scale cyber exercises, through which it helps NATO and its partners enhance their cyber defence capabilities. CR14 cyber ranges host the largest cyber exercises in the world, such as Locked Shields, Crossed Swords, Steadfast Dual, and Cyber Coalition. These exercises are vital for testing and improving response plans, identifying gaps in defences and ensuring a secure digital future for all. CR14 and its team have been conducting cyber operations and exercises since 2011, first as a part of the Estonian Defence Forces and now as a separate Foundation. During that time, its goal has always remained the same – to create a secure and resilient digital society. Learn more at https://www.cr14.ee

About ESA’s Space Systems for Safety & Security (4S) programme 
The European Space Agency (ESA) is Europe’s gateway to space, coordinating the financial and intellectual resources of its Member States to conduct space programmes and activities. Part of Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES), the Space Systems for Safety & Security (4S) strategic programme line develops innovative secure satellite communication systems, integrating them with terrestrial networks where relevant. These systems aim to enhance the safety, resilience, and security of our critical infrastructures and applications, including transportation across land, air, and sea. Additionally, they support governmental operations such as border control and law enforcement.

The 4S initiative aims to support European and national institutions and public bodies in building satellite communications tailored to their needs, while also maintaining Europe’s position at the forefront of the global secure communications market. By fostering growth in this domain, the initiative contributes to creating a safer and more resilient society in Europe and beyond.

Learn more at https://connectivity.esa.int/space-systems-safety-and-security-4s

Contact details

Spaceit OÜ
Silver Lodi
CEO
E-mail: silver.lodi@spaceit.eu
Tel: (+372) 509 3886

CybExer Technologies OÜ
Kristiina Omri
VP of Special Programs
E-mail: Kristiina.omri@cybexer.com
Tel: (+372) 5668 2088

CGI Eesti AS
Sille Kraam
Director of Consulting Delivery in Space and Earth Observation
E-mail: sille.kraam@cgi.com
Tel: (+372) 5346 5200

University of Tartu
Antti Tamm
Director of Tartu Observatory
E-mail: antti.tamm@ut.ee
Tel: (+372) 5699 6693

Foundation CR14
Martin Hanson
Head of Marketing
E-mail: martin.hanson@cr14.ee
Tel: (+372) 5855 4001