Space Cyber Security Executive Course and Conference

The first Executive Space Course to be offered in Scotland by the International Space University (ISU) will be hosted and developed in partnership with the Strathclyde Business School. This program – targeting professionals in the space sector – will have cybersecurity as its central theme, and offers postgraduate level micro credentials.

Hunter Centre for Entrepreneurship’s Dr Sharon Lemac-Vincere has organised the event in conjunction with colleagues from the ISU in Strasbourg (France). The three-day Executive Course will run from May 13-15 in the Hunter Centre for Entrepreneurship  followed by a two-day (16-17) conference on space and cybersecurity in Technology and Innovation Centre at Strathclyde University.

The International Space University provides interdisciplinary educational programs to students and space professionals. ISU is the sole university worldwide devoted entirely to space education since 1987. It comprises a central campus in Strasbourg (France) and hubs in the USA and the Asia Pacific region. It has more than 5600 Alumni in over 110 countries and include astronauts and entrepreneurs along with current and former space industry and government leaders.

Executive Space education at ISU provide an overview of space and space-related subjects and are intended for professionals working in the space sector or professionals currently working outside the space ecosystem that want to develop a better understanding of the rapidly evolving space sector.

Dr Lemac-Vincere said, “As the global commercial space sector grows, it becomes increasingly clear that cybersecurity must be at the forefront of our entrepreneurial endeavours from the very beginning. The interconnectedness of space systems, satellites, and ground infrastructure creates vulnerabilities that malicious actors may, and do, exploit. Cyberattacks targeting space assets have already taken place and these attacks have severe consequences – from disrupting communication networks to compromising national security and geo-political relations.

“Space is a strategic priority for the University and there is a definite skills gap in the cybersecurity sector – there is a global shortage of skilled cyber security experts of some 3.5 million. We’re focusing on an area that’s got huge employment prospects for our students.

“Scotland has a real opportunity to lead in this area due to Scotland’s global reputation in the satellite market. I believe that there is an opportunity for Scotland to create the gold standard for ‘secure-by-design’ cyber security resilience in space. This could, in effect, create a competitive advantage for the Scottish space sector and our entrepreneurs and, simultaneously, create a skilled workforce in the dual emerging domain of space and cyber, addressing skills shortages in both sectors.”

ISU President Professor Nicolas Peter said:

“A collaboration with the University of Strathclyde for this Executive Space Course with a focus on Cyber Security is a unique offering for the sector. Hosting this course in Scotland and in particular Glasgow that is at the heart of satellite manufacturing in Europe and one of the world’s leading small satellite manufacturers with AAC Clyde Space or Spire is a powerful offering. Scotland’s space sector is growing rapidly and offers huge opportunities in space manufacturing, launch and data. This course will be of interest for space professionals from around the world.”

“It is with great enthusiasm that we bring this three-day course – followed by a two-day conference – to Scotland. ISU’s presence in Scotland marks a significant milestone, and we look forward to this remarkable opportunity together.”