Canadian Cybersecurity Company DISC Selected as a Subcontractor for the European Space Agency's Makerspace Project

Satellite company OHB SE chooses Ottawa-based firm to develop satellite threat assessment framework; DISC is the only Canadian company participating in ESA’s rapid innovation program

OTTAWA, ON – November 13th, 2025 – Dominant Information Solutions Canada (DISC) has been selected by OHB SE as a cybersecurity subcontractor for the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Cybersecurity Makerspace, making DISC the only Canadian company among the specialized implementers chosen for this rapid innovation program.

OHB SE, a leading European satellite manufacturer and major ESA contributor, selected DISC to provide space segment cybersecurity expertise for its Makerspace project. 

DISC is developing a reusable threat assessment framework designed for application across multiple satellite classes and manufacturers.

The ESA Cybersecurity Makerspace, formally titled “Identification, Exploration and Assessment of Cybersecurity Challenges to Satcom Systems,” enables select companies and research institutions to conduct proof-of-concept studies addressing emerging satellite cybersecurity challenges. 

“Space systems are becoming increasingly complex with intersatellite communications and autonomous operations,” said Marc Kneppers, VP R&D at DISC. “The industry has long assumed that securing ground stations protects satellites. But as we saw with the Viasat incident in Ukraine, that assumption no longer holds. Satellites need their own intrusion detection capabilities, which requires a fundamentally different approach that accounts for the unique constraints of space environments.”

Developing an Industry-Applicable Framework

DISC’s work focuses on creating a principles-based threat assessment framework that can be applied across satellite types, from commercial off-the-shelf small satellites to bespoke mission-critical platforms. The framework analyzes information flows, identifying potential corruption points in data streams including GPS positioning, command telemetry, and sensor imagery.

The framework integrates both hardware and software protection layers, addressing space-specific constraints where traditional IT security approaches fail due to limited power and memory, plus the inability to physically access satellites for updates once in orbit.

“We’re testing this framework across satellites from multiple manufacturers and size classes,” Kneppers explained. “The goal is standardized methodology that works industry-wide, not one-off assessments for individual missions.”

Canadian Participation Through Strategic Partnership

Because Canada is not part of the European Union, DISC’s participation required Canadian Space Agency (CSA) approval. The CSA evaluated the project’s benefits to Canadian space innovation and authorized ESA to allocate Canadian-contributed funds under the ARTES program framework.

“Our involvement in this project reinforces the value of international partnerships,” said Kneppers. “Through strategic collaboration, Canadian companies can participate in and contribute specialized expertise to programs that advance global space capabilities.”

DISC’s selection builds on proven expertise including its eClypse hardware-based intrusion detection module developed under Canada’s Department of National Defence IDEaS program, and recognition as winner of the Airbus InnoMasters Challenge in Germany.

Addressing Critical Space Segment Vulnerabilities

While ground segment security has matured significantly, the space segment (satellites themselves) remains vulnerable to emerging threats. As constellations scale and satellites gain autonomous capabilities, onboard intrusion detection becomes a foundational security requirement.

Over the next six months, DISC will conduct threat assessments on multiple satellite platforms, mapping identified vulnerabilities to established frameworks and developing mitigation strategies. 

“We’re building operational capabilities the industry needs right now,” Kneppers added. “As constellations scale to thousands of satellites, standardized threat assessment frameworks become necessary to manage security at scale.”

Work begins in October 2025, with deliverables expected in the second half of 2026.

About Dominant Information Solutions Canada (DISC)

Dominant Information Solutions Canada (DISC) is an Ottawa-based cybersecurity company with a specialty in space segment security solutions. DISC’s eClypse intrusion detection module provides hardware-based protection designed for satellite operational constraints. The company’s expertise spans threat assessment, risk analysis, and security framework development for government and commercial space missions. For more information, visit www.dominantisc.ca.

Media interested in arranging an interview with Nicholas Scheurkogel or Marc Kneppers from Dominant Information Solutions Canada (DISC) can contact Shannon Clement by e-mail at marketing@dominantisc.ca.