Press Release
OHB Digital Connect coordinates activities to protect communications satellites from cyberattacks
Bremen, July 1, 2025 : Satellite communication is an indispensable part of our modern world. Cyberattacks on communications satellites can therefore have far-reaching consequences. To counter this threat, the European Space Agency ESA is conducting the project "Cybersecurity Makerspace: Identification, Exploration and Assessment of Cybersecurity Challenges to Satcom Systems" as part of the ARTES (Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems) program.
The aim of the project is to identify current trends in cybersecurity and examine emerging technologies and concepts for their applicability to satellite communications systems. In addition, security issues affecting commercial satellite communications services will be assessed and potential attack and defense scenarios will be simulated.
Based on its extensive expertise in secure satellite communications, OHB Digital Connect is acting as the prime contractor and coordinating the implementation of the individual sub-activities, which are being carried out by start-ups and academic institutions from several ESA member states.
“Collaborating with start-ups and smaller academic institutions brings fresh ideas and high innovation potential to the project,” explains Stefan Langhammer, the project's technical lead at OHB Digital Connect. “For many of these teams, the Makerspace is their first opportunity to test their solutions in an ESA context, which is a real win-win situation for both sides.”
Possible areas of focus for technological developments within the project include post-quantum cryptography, the analysis of security vulnerabilities in commercial security software, and the training of AI models for specific use cases in the context of satellite communications.
The project was recently officially launched and will run for 20 months.
Disclaimer
The project “Cybersecurity Makerspace: Identification, Exploration and Assessment of Cybersecurity Challenges to Satcom Systems” is funded by the European Space Agency (ESA) under the “ARTES 4.0 Strategic Programme Line – Space Systems for Safety and Security (4S)” program.
The opinion expressed in this publication cannot be regarded as the official opinion of the European Space Agency.
About OHB Digital Connect
OHB Digital Connect is a subsidiary of the Bremen-based space and technology group OHB SE.
Our mission: We establish the connection between the ground and space and bring satellite data into application.
We.Connect.Space.
Media Contact
Pia Bausch
Corporate Communications
Phone: +49 421 2020 6511
Email: pia.bausch@ohb.de