Atos wins R&D project with ESA to improve cybersecurity of satellite testing platforms

Atos has been awarded a contract by the European Space Agency (ESA) under ARTES C&G program to develop a product to improve the cybersecurity of Electrical Ground Support Equipment (EGSE) platforms which test the electrical system of satellites before they are being launched.

As cyber risks no longer stop at terrestrial borders, Atos will focus on building systems that prevent and counter cyber-attacks seeking to take control or to damage satellites or testing equipment during testing phase. This involves spanning all systems to identify current and future vulnerabilities, mapping all possible threats, developing new security features, ensuring complete traffic encryption, guaranteeing communication integrity, and continuously monitoring the security. Atos is the European leader in cybersecurity services with a global team of over 6,000 security specialists and will use its expertise to ensure satellites are safe and secure.

Atos is delighted to contribute with ESA to this step forward in protecting ESA satellites. This project represents a major challenge for Atos as, until now, electrical testing was operated offline in a closed and controllable environment – which did not require any particular security mechanisms. As practices evolve and remote operations are now conducted online from remote locations, it is necessary to adopt appropriate cybersecurity measures. In this process, many long-established remote protocols (SCPI, simple telnet, PUS/EDEN) will have to be secured – which could have the impact of setting new standards across the entire EGSE industry.

“We are pleased to bring our cybersecurity expertise to the satcom community to secure the EGSE systems we have been developing and mastering for many years. It is a real honor to contribute to this evolution of the satellite industry.” said Bruno Milard, VP, Head of Aerospace and Defense Electronics at Atos. Globe Newswire