In an innovative joint effort, the International Space University (ISU) and the Strathclyde Business School introduced the first Executive Space Course on Space Cyber Security. This landmark event, held from 13-15 May 2024 at Strathclyde University in Glasgow, Scotland, combined a three-day intensive course with a two-day conference, creating a comprehensive week dedicated to advancing space cyber security knowledge.
Executives from a select range of both public and private organizations—including Bridewell, the UK Civil Aviation Authority, DLA Piper Scotland, Amazon Web Services, Sustainable Alpha, Clyde Space Ltd, and Teleplex—traveled from as far as the United States to seize this unique opportunity in Scotland.
Dr. Sharon Lemac-Vincere of the Hunter Centre for Entrepreneurship curated the course content, emphasizing the critical need for robust cyber security defenses throughout the space sector. The curriculum was designed with the support of Nicolas Peter with the aim to provide participants with expert knowledge on the space economy and entrepreneurship based on the Eurospacehub grant, as well as practical tools and insights applicable to their daily operations. It featured an integration of traditional lectures, hand-on cubesat activities, and an interactive case study, and a visit to the National Manufacturing Institute for Scotland.
The course was led by an esteemed group of academics and industry experts, including:
Dr. Sharon Lemac-Vincere, Course Organizer and Chair
Prof. Nicolas Peter, President of the International Space University
Dr. Taiwo Tejumola, Former Assistant Professor at ISU
Dr. Caroline Baylon, Said Business School, Oxford University
Dr. PJ Blount, Law Lecturer, Cardiff University
Dr. Saskia Vermeylen, Reader at the Law School, University of Strathclyde
Participants of the course received micro-credentials from Strathclyde University upon completion, certifying their acquisition of key learning outcomes and readiness to address space sector challenges.
Ross Lang, a finance director at AAC Clyde Space, commented on the course’s impact:
“The course has been really helpful for me to understand what needs to be thought about whilst creating a roadmap for the organization to protect our assets in space and our data.”
The success of this initial offering has established a strong foundation for future sessions. “The positive response to our initial course and conference underscored the need for advanced training in this growing field,” said Dr. Lemac-Vincere. The next session is scheduled for 9-11 September 2024, in collaboration with Space-Comm Expo.
Prof. Nicolas Peter underscored the urgency of the mission, stating:
“Every space company is vulnerable to cybersecurity threats, we therefore need to educate the workforce of today and tomorrow on this critical issue. The International Space University is proud to have kickstarted this world-unique course and committed to leading this charge.”
For an in-depth look at the course and its impact, watch our retrospective video here.
More information and booking for the September 2024 Space Cyber Security Course can be found here.
