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: Madrid Digital (Calle Embajadores, 181, Madrid, Spain)

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Organizers

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The hackathon is proudly organized by:

• 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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Supporters

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

• 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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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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This event is not just about innovation. It’s about ensuring that Europe’s satellite communications, GPS networks, and space assets remain secure, resilient, and sovereign in the face of rising global threats.

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Provisional Agenda

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Friday, 17 October

• 17:00 – Participant Registration
  
  
• Opening Ceremony: Alejandro Las Heras, Consejero Delegado, Agencia de Ciberseguridad de la Comunidad de Madrid
  
  
• Keynote: Massimo Mercati, Head of Security, ESA (European Space Agency)
  
  
• Expert Roundtable: Space Security Challenges. Moderator: César Carmona, International Leader in Satellite-based Secured Communications,  Novaspace
  

• Talk: Gabriel González, Director of Hardware Security, IOActive, Inc.
  
  
• Challenge Presentation & Team Assignments & Hackathon Kick-off: Teams begin 24-hour development

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Saturday, 18 October

• 17:00 – Team Presentations & Results Submission
  
  
• 19:00 – Closing Ceremony, Winners Announcement & Awards

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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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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. Registration for participants: https://luma.com/u81cjnoz

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