From Simulation to Operations: Smallsat Security in the Space Cyber Range

Space systems play a critical role in global operations, making them prime targets for cyber threats. Adversaries increasingly employ cyberattacks to disrupt, deny, degrade, deceive, or destroy space assets. As the space sector grows, with over 28,000 satellites expected to launch in the next decade, cybersecurity has become an essential component of space operations. The small satellite market is rapidly expanding, driven by advancements in technology, with a projected growth from $3.2 billion in 2023 to $7.0 billion by 2028. Similarly, the cybersecurity sector is experiencing significant growth, driven by the rising costs of cybercrime, expected to reach $10.5 trillion by 2025.
In response to these challenges, Spaceit, in collaboration with partners and the European Space Agency, launched the Space Cyber Range project in February 2025. This multi-million-dollar, two-year initiative aims to enhance cybersecurity in space and related industries. The Space Cyber Range is a controlled sandbox environment that enables the testing, validation, and certification of space assets, as well as cybersecurity training and industry collaboration. It offers a virtual environment for simulating cyber threats such as denial-of-service attacks and GNSS jamming, alongside facilitating individual and team-based cyber exercises. These exercises include large-scale scenarios similar to NATO CCDCOE’s Locked Shields, which engages over 3,500 participants in realistic cyber defense operations.
By providing a secure and realistic platform for testing and training, the Space Cyber Range enhances the reliability and security of space industry participants, supporting the resilience of critical space infrastructure. This initiative is expected to drive innovation, improve cybersecurity awareness, and strengthen industry collaboration, ensuring a more secure future for space operations.