Estonia is showcasing its innovations in space and cybersecurity technologies at the Space Tech Expo 2025 in Bremen. At the heart of the delegation is the Space Cyber Range – Europe’s first commercial platform for testing and securing satellite systems against modern cyber threats. The goal: to protect systems vital to Europe’s economy and security, from navigation and energy to communications and defence.
“Space infrastructure and services were once built mainly for civilian purposes, but we have entered a decade where space systems and defence are inseparable. Secure satellite communications, resilient navigation, and real-time Earth observation have become key elements of Europe’s security architecture,” says Paul Liias, Head of Space at the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications of Estonia.
With more than 15,000 active satellites in orbit, many launched decades ago, space infrastructure was never designed for today’s cyber-risk landscape – especially as AI-enabled threats continue to evolve. Amid growing geopolitical tensions, cybersecurity in space is more critical than ever. More than 160 cyber operations have targeted the global space sector in recent years – many linked to ongoing conflicts in Ukraine.
“In 1957, the world heard a faint beeping from above. That tiny radio signal from Sputnik wasn’t just the start of the space age – it was the first ping of a new battlefield. Today, satellites form the backbone of our economy, supporting navigation, timing, energy, logistics, and communications. Space has become the new frontline of digital stability, and our job is to protect it – together with the sense of wonder for space,” says Carl-Robert Reidolf, Member of the Board and Chief Business Officer at CR14.
Secure space made in Europe
Developed by CybExer, CR14, Spaceit, CGI Estonia and the University of Tartu, in cooperation with the European Space Agency (ESA) and supported by Space Estonia, the Space Cyber Range is Europe’s first dedicated environment for testing and strengthening satellite systems against cyberattacks. It allows technologies, procedures, and crisis responses to be simulated and secured before deployment – setting a new benchmark for Europe’s digital resilience in space.
“Today, satellites form the backbone of our economy, supporting navigation, timing, energy, logistics, and communications. Space has become the new frontline of digital stability, and our job is to protect it – together with the sense of wonder for space.”
Carl-Robert Reidolf, Member of the Board and Chief Business Officer at CR14
As the EU develops new cybersecurity standards for space systems under the NIS2 Directive and ESA’s emerging framework, Estonia’s expertise offers a proven model for resilience and compliance across Europe’s space sector.
“Space cybersecurity affects us all – from navigation systems to energy networks. Estonia may not build rockets, but we build the digital safety systems that keep them secure,” says Kristiina Omri, Vice President of Special Projects at CybExer Technologies.
Battle-tested innovation for Europe’s security
Recent geopolitical developments have accelerated the convergence of space technologies and defence. Estonian companies have gained field-tested experience in countering space-enabled attacks – from satellite-based disruptions to drone-driven hybrid threats against critical infrastructure.
“Space cybersecurity affects us all – from navigation systems to energy networks. Estonia may not build rockets, but we build the digital safety systems that keep them secure.”
Kristiina Omri, Vice President of Special Projects at CybExer Technologies
“There is a capability gap in Europe when it comes to countering hostile drones – that’s why we launched the Drone Wall initiative. We are ready to build it, based on an integrated, combat-proven system that is already protecting Europe’s eastern flank. Europe faces evolving aerial and hybrid threats, and our mission is to turn innovation and real battlefield experience into tangible protection for people, borders, and critical infrastructure,” says Jaanus Tamm, CEO of DefSecIntel Solutions.
Estonia is also setting new standards in defence software for space operations. Nortal, one of the leading developers behind Estonia’s digital public infrastructure and a key player in Germany, is enhancing air-threat detection with AI and applying this cybersecurity expertise to new generations of secure satellite missions.
Why secure space architectures matter now
With new European cybersecurity requirements for space missions on the horizon, the demand for reliable partners is rising. Germany alone is investing €35 billion in sovereign space capabilities by 2030 – creating opportunities for cooperation with agile and trusted partners such as Estonia.
Since making space cybersecurity a national priority in 2019, Estonia has rapidly expanded its expertise and established itself as one of Europe’s most reliable partners for secure and resilient space operations.
This project was funded by the EU’s NextGenerationEU program.
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