GMV wins ESA contract for CyberCUBE space cybersecurity mission

GMV wins ESA contract for CyberCUBE space cybersecurity mission
by Hugo Ritmico
Madrid, Spain (SPX) Oct 25, 2024

GMV has secured a contract from the European Space Agency (ESA) to lead the CyberCUBE mission, a key component of ESA's Cybersecurity Operations Centre (CSOC) Cyber Evolutions program. The mission, managed by a GMV-led consortium that includes GMV's Romania team as the prime contractor and GMV Spain, along with Alen Space, aims to strengthen the cybersecurity of space assets. The consortium will manage the entire lifecycle of the mission - from design to launch, operation, and the initial phase of operations (LEOP). This mission is crucial in ensuring that future space-based operations are resilient against cyber threats.

CyberCUBE is set to validate the CSOC's radio frequency (RF) capabilities and demonstrate advanced data analysis tools that identify and counter cyber threats. GMV will deliver an in-orbit operational laboratory with onboard cyber capabilities, offering a platform for developing and testing cryptographic functions and key management strategies while collecting important security data.

The mission will also provide ESA with a flexible and cost-effective platform to test new cybersecurity technologies in space, helping to mitigate risks and accelerate the adoption of these solutions for future ESA missions.

GMV's responsibilities cover the entire mission lifecycle, which includes overseeing the flight segment with a 3U cubesat bus developed by Alen Space. The cubesat will carry reprogrammable processing capabilities and a core payload dedicated to cybersecurity monitoring. The satellite is expected to remain in orbit for at least one year, collecting data on space vulnerabilities and resilience.

On the ground segment, GMV will provide components such as the Alen Space Mission Control Center integrated with GMV's focussuite COTS product and a representative flatsat. ESA's CSOC will manage mission data, process raw information, and conduct cybersecurity analysis.

GMV will also supervise the launch and ensure the cubesat reaches its designated orbit, which allows regular communication with ESA's primary antenna at the European Space Security and Education Centre (ESEC) in Redu, Belgium. After successful commissioning and LEOP, control of the CyberCUBE satellite will be transferred to ESA for routine operations. The mission's results will help shape future cybersecurity strategies, and potential mission extensions will be considered depending on its performance. The satellite will be decommissioned at the end of its operational life in accordance with ESA's Space Debris Mitigation Policy.