The agenda is preliminary and subject to change to ensure the best possible access for participants.
Beyond the Known Limits to Protection of the New Reality: Estonia in Space Cybersecurity
About the event
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
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Welcoming words
By Paul Liias, Head of Space at Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications, Chair at EUSPA Administrative Board
By 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.
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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 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
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Visit to Tartu observatory
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Workshop in the 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: Janis Dalbinš, Engineer in the Space Technology Department at Tartu Observatory
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Lunch
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Bus to Tallinn
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Visit to CR14 Space Cyber Range (TBC)
Inside look at how Estonia uses advanced cyber ranges, simulation tools and cyber-physical environments to train for real-world threats to critical infrastructure and defence systems. Additionally, a VR solution that allows users to experience how cyberattacks are countered on a space station, and the Space Cyber Range, that will be a technologically complex solution that will help address an acute problem for the international space community, will be showcased.
The visit led by Carl-Robert Reidolf, board member of CR14 Lauri Kimmel, CTO of Spaceit, one of the developers of Space Cyber Range.
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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
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Morning Coffee
Software Defined Space Conference
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Opening words and welcome speech
Software Defined Space Conference
Meeting with Liina Vahtras, the Minister of Economy and Industry of the Republic of Estonia (TBC)
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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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:
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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 (TBC)
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- 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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Space Data Centres panel at the Software Defined Space Conference
Moderator Paul Liias
Panelists: Ian Carnelli, Shareef Al Romaithi
Conference opening night dinner (time TBC)
Journalists visiting the Conference on their own Flight departures
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.