The agenda is preliminary and subject to change to ensure the best possible access for participants.
Business Development Project Manager and Programme Coordinator
Enterprise Estonia
Press Trip: Estonia in Space Cybersecurity
About the event
Beyond the Known Limits to Protection of the New Reality: Estonia in Space Cybersecurity
As space systems become increasingly important for communications, navigation, intelligence and defence, cybersecurity has become a critical component of resilient space infrastructure. This press trip brings journalists to Estonia to explore how a digitally advanced nation is applying its cybersecurity expertise to the rapidly evolving space sector.
Through meetings with government representatives, industry leaders and innovative space companies, participants will gain first-hand insight into Estonia's growing space ecosystem, from secure software and satellite technologies to defence applications and space cybersecurity. The programme includes participation in the Software Defined Space Conference (SDSC), visits to leading space organisations, and hands-on experiences ranging from satellite development to cyber defence exercises.
This project is co-funded by the European Union.
Program
We will meet you at Tartu Airport and take you to check-in at Soho Hotel.
Pick-up from the hotel and bus transfer to venue
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Introduction to the press trip
Overview of what will happen over the next few days. The introduction will be made by Kadri Paju, International Media Project Manager at Enterprise Estonia.
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Welcoming words at Sparkup Tartu Teaduspark
Video greeting or a live video call welcome words from:
- Paul Liias, Head of Space at Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications, Chair at EUSPA Administrative Board
- Elise Guerra Monasterio, Business Development Project Manager and Programme Coordinator at EIS (ESA)
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Panel discussion: Estonia’s Space Ecosystem
Estonia’s space ecosystem brings together education, research, cybersecurity, defence forces and entrepreneurship. The panel will look at how this combination is building a strong talent pipeline, creating a niche in space cybersecurity, and strengthening Estonia’s potential as a destination for international R&D, investment and partnerships.
Moderator: Sven Lilla, Manager of Space Tech Development at Sparkup Tartu Science Park
Panelists:
- Dr. Mihkel Pajusalu, Associate Professor in Space Technology, Head of the Space Technology Department in Tartu Observatory
- Martin Jüssi, CEO at Kappazeta
- Baldur Kubo, Business Development (Privacy Preserving Technologies) at Cybernetica
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Lunch
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Visit to KappaZeta
Kappazeta uses satellite data and remote sensing to make agricultural and forest monitoring more accurate, automated and transparent, including European agricultural monitoring, automated clearcut detection for the Estonian Environment Agency, and its upcoming 3DSAR satellite mission. Led by the CEO of KappaZeta, Martin Jüssi.
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Visit to CrystalSpace
CrystalSpace specializes in high-performance compact camera systems for space and Earth applications, including NASA and ESA missions. Part of our manufacturing and testing happens at Tartu University observatory in Tõravere, where you can learn about space camera testing and Estonia’s space industry. The visit will be led by Johannes Aab, Business Development Manager - Defence of CrystalSpace.
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Visit to Spaceit
Spaceit provides Space and Ground Operations, Communication, Cybersecurity, and Spectrum Intelligence. Operator of the Estonian first commercial satellite OPS-SAT ORIOLE which will launch in Q1 2027.
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Break
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Networking dinner at Pompei Restaurant
Joined by Estonian space industry representatives:
- Kalev Koppel, CEO at STACC
- Martin Jüssi, CEO at Kappazeta
- Mihkel Pajusalu, Tartu observatory of Tartu University
- Sven Lilla, Head of the Space Domain at Sparkup Tartu Teaduspark
- Pätris Halapuu, CEO at CrystalSpace
Pick-up from the hotel and bus transfer to venue
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Visit to Tartu observatory of University of Tartu
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Workshop in the Tartu observatory: Build a Satellite Mission
A tabletop exercise where journalists are challenged to build a satellite mission with limited funding and time. Journalists can choose from a range of functional blocks, including satellite ground stations, software for both ground systems and the satellite, as well as hardware for the ground segment and satellite. Each block comes with its own development time, cost and implementation complexity, requiring participants to make strategic choices to successfully build their mission. The exercise gives a hands-on understanding of the strategic trade-offs involved in building a satellite mission under real-world time and budget constraints.
Supervisor: Kristo Allaje, Engineer in the Space Technology Department at Tartu Observatory of University of Tartu
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Lunch
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Bus to Tallinn
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Visit to CybExer
CybExer is an Estonian cybersecurity company developing advanced cyber ranges that allow organisations to train teams, test technologies and assess cyber resilience in realistic, controlled environments. The technology supports space and defence organisations, governments, critical infrastructure operators and businesses, with applications ranging from large-scale cyber exercises to testing AI-enabled systems.
Led by Aare Reintam, Chief Operating Officer and a member of the Executive Board at CybExer Technologies - –
Bus to the Conference
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Media briefing at the Software Defined Space Conference at Fotografiska Tallinn
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Networking event at the Software Defined Space Conference
Pick-up from the hotel and bus transfer to venue
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Meeting with Liina Vahtras, the Minister of Economy and Industry of the Republic of Estonia
Discussion on the development of space policies, Estonia’s position in the international space cybersecurity, future of our collaborations and investment opportunities in space and defence.
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Software Defined Space Conference opening words and welcome speech
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e-Estonia Briefing: Digital transformation, digital government services, cybersecurity and resilience
By Johanna-Kadri Kuusk, Digital Transformation Adviser at Enterprise Estonia
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Lunch
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Visit to TalTech: TalTech Cybersecurity Research Group
TalTech Cybersecurity Research Group combines research, education and innovation to strengthen Estonia’s cyber capabilities and train the next generation of experts in cyber defence and emerging technologies.
Meeting is led by Adrian Nicholas Venables, IVCM Program Manager / Head of Space Centre
Together with partners:
- Sirli Sarapuu, CEO of the Estonian Student Satellite
The primary activities of the student satellite include the development and construction of scientific satellites. Beyond tackling technical challenges, the organization aims to promote and popularize the field of space through a variety of events and activities!
- Simone Briatore, Founder of Golbriak Space
Golbriak Space develops technologies and services for distributed and federated satellite missions. Its solutions help improve mission performance, optimize data distribution and reduce operational costs. They are one of the partners of the Estonian Student Satellite project SUTS.
- Quazi Saimoon Islam, M.Sc. Space Technology Engineer at Tartu University and Lead Developer and Project Manager at KuupKulgur.
KuupKulgur is an Estonian lunar rover project developing technologies for future Moon surface missions. The project focuses on developing and testing rover technologies for operating on the lunar surface, including autonomous systems and mission-related engineering
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Bus to the Software Defined Space Conference
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Visiting the presenting organisations booths
- Women in Aerospace
- EUSPA
- Madari Space
- Estonian Student Satellite and Estonian Student Rocket
- ESERO Eesti
- Aalto Space Association
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Space Data Centres panel at the Software Defined Space Conference
Moderator Paul Liias, Head of Space at Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications, Chair at EUSPA Administrative Board
Panelists: Ian Carnelli, Head of System Department at European Space Agency. Shareef Al Romaithi, Founder & CEO at Madari Space
Software Defined Space Conference dinner in Gläm Telliskivi
Journalists visiting the Software Defined Space Conference on their own and Flight departures
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Software Defined Space Conference – Opening words
By Johannes Tralla
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SDSC – Keynote: SATCOM market overview
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SDSC – Space Resilience Through Secure Connectivity
Melita Phachulia
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SDSC – Quantum Communication Panel
Moderator: Ingrid Linnas
Emin Allagui, George T. Kanellos, Jose Luis Garcia Coello
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SDSC – Keynote
By Shelli Brunswick
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SDSC – Talent Acquisition and Retention in the Space Domain
Moderator: Dr. Kai-Uwe Schrogl
Dr. Christina Giannopapa, Shelli Brunswick, Karoli Kahn, Sirli Sarapuu, Chiara Caparrini, Daniela Jović
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SDSC – Space and Gaming
Dr. Quazi Saimoon Islam, Tatiana Issaeva, Jevgeni Orehhov
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SDSC – Next generation student platforms for accelerating space-race
Moderator: Jaan Praks
Johanna Kasenurm, Sungyeon Kim, Marc Heemskerk, Quazi Saimoon Islam
Minister of Economy and Industry
Republic of Estonia
Head of the Space Centre
TalTech
Manager of Space Tech Development
Sparkup Tartu Science Park
Head of the Space Technology Department
Tartu Observatory
Head of Space
Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications
CEO
Estonian Student Satellite
CEO
Kappazeta
Engineer
Tartu Observatory
Business Development (Privacy Preserving Technologies
Cybernetica
Space Technology Engineer
Tartu Observatory
Digital Transformation Adviser
e-Estonia Briefing Centre, Enterprise Estonia
Chief Operating Officer
Spaceit
Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer
Golbriak Space
CEO and member of the Executive Board
CybExer Technologies
Enterprise Estonia strive to enhance Estonia’s international competitiveness, foster entrepreneurship, and improve the quality of life for its residents. Estonia is a progressive European nation and the world’s most digitally advanced society. It blends liberal democracy and a Nordic lifestyle with an independent spirit and a startup mindset to power world-leading innovation in technology and sustainability
List of items we recommend bringing with you:
- Warm & Weatherproof Clothing: For your reference, late October in Estonia can be cold, damp and windy. Temperatures usually range between +2°C and +11°C, with changeable weather. We recommend packing layers, a warm windproof jacket, and waterproof outerwear. As the programme includes outdoor visits and demonstrations, please bring sturdy, comfortable and water-resistant shoes suitable for potentially wet or muddy terrain.
- Smart Casual Dress Code: For indoor sessions and dinners, a smart casual style is appropriate. No formal business attire is required.
Travel Expenses & Logistics
- Hosted Costs: Return flights, local transfers, hotel accommodation between October 25-29, and meals within the official program are covered by Enterprise Estonia.
- Exclusions: Personal expenses such as minibar, laundry, extra room service or the hotel’s relaxation area are not covered.
- Chatham House Rule: Please note that lunches and dinners with officials are generally conducted under the Chatham House Rule. If you wish to use direct quotes, please seek approval from the speaker first.
- Accommodation: Soho Hotel in Tartu and Hyatt Place Hotel in Tallinn