On October 17–18, 2025, Madrid becomes the stage for a groundbreaking event — the European Space Cybersecurity Hackathon. Leading minds from space exploration, cybersecurity, and telecom will unite to tackle one of today’s most urgent challenges: protecting satellites and communications networks from cyberattacks.

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In just 24 hours, the hackathon will bring together:

• Satellite engineers applying their expertise to real-world security threats.
• Cybersecurity professionals and ethical hackers testing their skills against space-specific vulnerabilities.
• Telecom experts safeguarding Europe’s communication backbone.
• Startups and pioneering tech innovators developing bold, practical solutions.
• Space agencies, defense stakeholders, and researchers working to strengthen the resilience of Europe’s critical space infrastructure.

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The mission: develop practical software solutions in just 24 hours to safeguard satellites, GPS, and telecom networks from cyberattacks — strengthening defenses in orbit and on Earth.

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Event Details

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When: October 17–18, 2025
Where: Digitaliza Madrid (Calle Embajadores, 181, Madrid, Spain)

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Why This Hackathon Matters

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Satellites are no longer just tools of exploration — they are the backbone of Europe’s navigation, defense, finance, agriculture, and telecommunications. Every day, billions of devices depend on space infrastructure. But with this dependency comes vulnerability.

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Cyberattacks on satellites are no longer science fiction. The threat landscape includes:

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• GPS Spoofing – attackers can send false navigation signals to disrupt aviation routes, maritime transport, and even financial transactions that depend on precise timing.
  
  
• Signal Jamming – malicious interference can block or degrade satellite communications, affecting emergency services, military operations, and critical civilian infrastructure.
  
  
• Data Breaches & Command Hijacking – unauthorized access to satellites could allow attackers to manipulate data, disable services, or even seize control of spacecraft.
  
  
• Supply Chain Attacks – vulnerabilities in ground stations, software updates, or hardware components can be exploited to compromise entire satellite systems.
  
  

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These are not abstract risks: recent incidents around the world have demonstrated how space systems are increasingly targeted as a new frontier of cyber warfare.

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The European Space Cybersecurity Hackathon is designed to directly address these threats. By simulating real-world attack scenarios and mobilizing experts from cybersecurity, space engineering, telecom, and defense, the hackathon will deliver practical, battle-tested solutions that can strengthen Europe’s defenses — not in theory, but in working code built in just 24 hours.

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In an era where satellites drive navigation, defense, banking, agriculture, and global connectivity, protecting space-based infrastructure is no longer optional — it is mission-critical.

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Agenda

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Friday, 17 October

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17:00 - Participant Registration

17:30 - Opening Ceremony: Alejandro Las Heras, Consejero Delegado, Agencia de Ciberseguridad de la Comunidad de Madrid‍

17:40 - Welcome Speech: Dulce Sánchez, Dirección de Seguridad y Planificación, Jefa del Departamento de Seguridad y Certificación de La Agencia Espacial Española (AEE)

17:50 - Keynote: Massimo Panzeri,  ESA (European Space Agency)

18:10 - Expert Roundtable: Space Security Challenges. Moderator: César Carmona, International Leader in Satellite-based Secured Communications,  Novaspace

18:50 - Talk: Gabriel González, Director of Hardware Security, IOActive, Inc. Tema: SATCOM: Attacker’s Perspective

19:10 - Challenge Presentation & Team Assignments & Hackathon Kick-off: Teams begin 24-hour challenge

19:10-20:10 - Cocktail

_{Read more details about tasks and mentor team: https://www.thesign.media/blog/meet-the-mentor-squad-of-the-eu-space-cybersecurity-hackathon}

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Saturday, 18 October

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17:00 - Team Presentations & Results Submission

19:00-21:00 - Closing Ceremony, Winners Announcement & Awards

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Organizers

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The hackathon is organized by:

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• THE SIGN.MEDIA – an online media and ecosystem of experts in cybersecurity for terrestrial and spatial infrastructure.
  
  
• Tetuan Valley – the first non-for-profit pre-accelerator program in Europe, fostering innovation and entrepreneurial talent.
  
  
• European Defense Tech Hub – the leading European hub connecting technologists, the public sector, investors, and operators in defense-tech, driving innovation through hackathons across Munich, Copenhagen, Paris, Vilnius, Lviv, Prague — and now Madrid.
  
  
• RCC Advisory – specialists in cybersecurity for critical defense, including cyberspace command operations.

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Host & Co-Organizer

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La Agencia de Ciberseguridad de la Comunidad de Madrid will host and co-organize the European Space Cybersecurity Hackathon, reinforcing Madrid’s role as a European capital for cybersecurity innovation and collaboration.

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Skyrocketing Partner

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La Agencia Espacial Española (AEE) The Spanish Space Agency (AEE) is the public organization responsible for unifying and coordinating Spain’s space policies. It promotes scientific research, technological and industrial development in the space sector, and represents Spain both nationally and internationally in space matters. Its goals include fostering innovation, enhancing national security through satellite systems, and strengthening the Spanish space industry, working closely with the European Space Agency (ESA) and European Union (EU) space programs.

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Satellite Partners

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ClickDefense is an award-winning cybersecurity company recognized by INCIBE’s Cybersecurity Ventures and the winner of three solutions to the challenges proposed in the largest cybersecurity Public Procurement of Innovation in European history.

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Secture is a company dedicated to providing software services, digital security solutions, and technical scalability.

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Supporters

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This first-of-its-kind initiative is backed by leading organizations advancing Europe’s cybersecurity and space resilience:

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• CYSAT – the world biggest event dedicated to space cybersecurity.
  
  
• Women4Cyber Spain – empowering women in cybersecurity and fostering diversity in the sector.
  
  
• CyberMadrid – the Cybersecurity Cluster of Madrid, strengthening collaboration across industry, academia, and government.

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The European Space Cybersecurity Hackathon is more than a competition; it’s a collaborative defense exercise for the future of Europe’s digital sovereignty. This is the arena where visionaries, coders, engineers, and innovators will rise to meet the threats of tomorrow.

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If you’re driven to defend the future of space communications, and you thrive under the pressure of building real solutions in 24 hours — this is your mission.

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