Fundamentals of Space Cybersecurity

It will raise the awareness of society’s reliance on space and the importance of maintaining continuous and secure access to the space services, capabilities and effects. This will involve understanding the evolution of space-related activities and their related threats and vulnerabilities and resources that provide information on space cybersecurity issues.

In November 2019, NATO declared space as an operational domain, which will help to ensure a coherent approach to the integration of space into NATO’s overall deterrence and defence posture. This course aims to provide students with a knowledge of the unique attributes of the space environment and how cybersecurity differs from that in other environments.

As space is an integral part of the information environment, this course will highlight the the tools that are available to respond to the current and possible threats. This will require and understanding of the concepts such as the role of space in crisis or conflict and how threats can be detered or defended against. Threats, vulnerabilities and mitigation strategies will be explained to ensure the resilience and survivability of space systems.

NB! This course will take place in autumn semester 2026/2027 which starts on 31st of August and ends on 24th of January (you can find that information under start date section). TalTech's timetables for autumn semester 2026 will be published at the end of June via tunniplaan.taltech.ee.

After completing this course the student:

• identifies the physical properties and challenges of operating in the space environment;
• describes the different types of satellite operations including space communications;
• employs research methodologies to explain the unique features of space cybersecurity;
• utilises current doctrine to understand and explain the militarisation of space and current space operations;
• describes known examples of criminal activities that have impacted space operations;
• analyzes cybersecurity mitigation strategies to reduce the risk to space operations.

Final assessment can consist of one test/assignment or several smaller assignments completed during the whole course. After declaring a course the student can re-sit the exam/assessment once. Assessment can be graded or non-graded. For specific information about the assessment process please get in touch with the contact person of this course. For specific information about grade transfer please contact your home university

Wednesday 16 - 18:00 (Estonian timezone)

• Jacob G Oakley, Cybersecurity for Space, Apress. ISBN 978-1-4842-5732-6
• Study literature will be shared through the Moodle environment.
• Enrolment key: ToBoldlyGoWhereNoStudentHasGoneBefore

lectures