Estonia, already making its mark in space technology with locally manufactured satellite components and electronics used in NASA missions, is expanding its cosmic footprint.
Now, Estonian companies are joining forces with the European Space Agency (ESA) to create a new virtual training environment for space cybersecurity. The multi-million euro project will help companies test their satellite technologies safely before launching them into space.
The Estonian team includes Spaceit, CybExer Technologies, CGI Estonia, and the University of Tartu. The project is also coordinated by the Estonian Space Office, which is part of Enterprise Estonia.
This week, members signed the deal in Tallinn to build this virtual training ground over the next two years. Companies will be able to use it to test their satellite systems, run cyber exercises, and train specialists before sending any equipment to space.
“This facility will give us the ability to create specific space-related environments and test potential threats virtually. We can validate different components and processes and help develop overall space cybersecurity expertise,” said Silver Lodi, who leads the Estonian consortium and Spaceit.
The project comes at a crucial time. According to ESA’s Director of Connectivity and Secure Communications Laurent Jaffart, cyberattacks have risen sharply in the last five years. They pose growing risks to power grids, emergency services, and other critical systems that rely on satellite connections.
The training ground will be set up at CR14, an Estonian cybersecurity foundation that currently manages NATO’s cyber defence training facilities. Several space companies and research institutions from Estonia, Italy, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, and Germany have already shown interest in using it.
ESA is investing over 2.5 million euros in the project through its ARTES program. The training ground is expected to open in 2026. It will be another big space leap for Estonia, which celebrates its 10th anniversary as a full ESA member this year.
“This is a strong sign that a small country like ours can become a leader in Europe in the fields of space services deployment, threat management, autonomous robot development, and ensuring cybersecurity in the space sector through our knowledge and skills,” says Madis Võõras, Head of Estonian Space Office at Enterprise Estonia.
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