Spaceit, CybExer Technologies CGI Estonia are constructing the simulator that allows development of satellite communication systems as well as their testing and validation in a controlled environment. The simulator will also improve the cyber defence competence of satellite operators, system administrators and IT security experts.
According to Spaceit CEO Silver Lodi, the contract is highly significant because it marks the first time a consortium of Estonian companies is collaborating with ESA in the field of cybersecurity. “Our shared objective is to strengthen the rapidly growing space sector against cyberattacks,” said Lodi.
The initiator of the Estonian space cybersecurity programme and expert in space technologies and policy at the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications Paul Liias considers the consortium created under the leadership of Spaceit a good example of collaboration between Estonian companies. According to Liias, the cybersecurity missions create an opportunity to form consortiums in Estonia, which, in the long term, will also include research institutions and industrial enterprises. “Estonian space cybersecurity missions help us to implement Estonian space policy and give local companies the opportunity to participate in the rapidly growing space sector,” noted Liias.
Furthermore, other Estonian companies have the opportunity to start improving the cybersecurity of space systems.
“The European Space Agency has recently opened up several large-scale procurements related to space cybersecurity and the Estonian Space Office has launched a call for ideas, which welcomes Estonian companies to participate,” added Head of the Estonian Space Office at Enterprise Estonia, Madis Võõras, who hopes to announce the next contracts between Estonian companies and ESA soon.
Spaceit provides mission control services to satellite operators. The company has developed a cloud-based mission control system with pre-integrated access to a worldwide network of ground stations, offers professional satellite management, and supportive tools. Spaceit’s solution enables an 80% reduction of a satellite mission’s budget.
CybExer Technologies provides cybersecurity services. The company offers software platforms to conduct complex technical cybersecurity exercises to practice defending IT- infrastructure. CybExer Technologies has received the NATO innovation award.
CGI Estonia is the Estonian branch of the CGI Group, one of the biggest IT and business consulting service providers in the world. CGI Estonia has been active in the space sector since 2010. They have developed mission control software and remote sensing solutions for various clients in the public and private sector.
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