The contract was signed on 23 January in Tallinn by Laurent Jaffart, ESA’s Director of Connectivity and Secure Communications and Silver Lodi, Management Board Member of Spaceit. Development will begin immediately, with several organisations having already expressed interest in using the range, including satellite manufacturers and operators, telecom providers, and research institutions from Hungary, Estonia, Italy, Czech Republic and Switzerland.

“Over the past five years, there has been a significant increase in cyberattacks, emphasising the growing risks for sectors such as energy grids, emergency responders, and other critical infrastructure dependent on satellite connectivity,” said Laurent Jaffart, ESA Director of Connectivity and Secure Communications. “Estonia's proven leadership in cybersecurity makes it the ideal home for this facility. This initiative will improve cybersecurity knowledge across the sector and help elevate Europe’s digital future.”

"This cyber range provides the practical testing environment our space sector needs," said Christophe Allemand, ESA's Head of Space Systems for Safety and Security. "Companies can conduct critical security exercises, validate their satellite systems before launch, and gain the expertise needed to protect their space assets. This is essential infrastructure for building secure, resilient space systems."

"It is an exceptional occasion to lead a group of companies in developing such a crucial project for the space ecosystem as the Space Cyber Range," said Silver Lodi, Management Board Member of Spaceit. "Our aim is to engage more organisations internationally along the way, as we foresee continued industry growth. We also recognise the need for technologies to be tested and personnel to be educated to ensure the resilience of space infrastructure against various threats."