IT'S THE SIGN

Juan Carlos Cortés: Spain's Space Agency Bets on Startups, Launchers and Sovereign Access to OrbitEpisode 2 of the IT'S THE SIGN Space Cybersecurity Podcast, host Margaux Lucas talks with Juan Carlos Cortés, director of the Spanish Space Agency (AEE) and newly elected Chair of the European Space Agency Council, about Spain's rise in European space, sovereign access to orbit and the startups behind it.www.aee.gob.esIn this episode:• How Spain moved from components to complete satellite systems• Miura 5 and Spain's path to launching its own payloads• Priorities of the ESA Council Chair and the ESA–European Commission partnership• Why the Spanish Space Agency is based in Seville• From 50 million to 740 million euros of venture capital in three years• Launchers, constellations and the 93% of the space economy that depends on them• Space debris, the European Space Act and a proposed 200,000-satellite constellation• Talent and the "Astronaut for One Day" programmeCHAPTERS00:00 Welcome to IT'S THE SIGN00:28 Meet Juan Carlos Cortés02:06 Spain's turn: from components to complete systems04:02 Miura 5 and strategic autonomy05:24 Priorities of the ESA Council Chair09:07 ESA and the European Commission: one continent, one space13:20 Why Seville? Creating the Spanish Space Agency16:08 The agency's mandate, staff and budget19:51 Return on investment: betting on entrepreneurs23:18 From 50 million to 740 million euros in venture capital25:49 Private capital vs public funding: lessons from the US27:04 Launchers, constellations and the 600 billion space economy31:52 Is the space sector sustainable?34:00 The European Space Act and the 200,000-satellite filing37:26 Life cycle assessment and the pollution of the sky39:26 Who writes the rules for space? The 1967 treaty41:35 Talent: the Space and Society directorate43:41 Astronaut for One Day: 40 students, 20 parabolasGuest: Juan Carlos Cortés, Director, Spanish Space Agency (AEE) and Chair of the ESA CouncilHost: Margaux Lucas, MC at CYSAT; Doctoral Candidate & Teaching Fellow in Political Science, Sciences Po Strasbourg / University of StrasbourgProducer: Tatiana Skydan, THE SIGN.MEDIAThank you, Agencia Espacial Española, for institutional support of the first CYSAT Madrid edition. Next CYSAT Madrid, October 2027: https://www.cysat.eu/cysat-madrid Stay tuned.Become the Sun of our podcast: partner with us at [email protected]://www.aee.gob.es/https://www.thesign.mediahttps://www.cysat.eu#AEE #Spain #THESIGN #CYSAT #SpaceCybersecurity #SpaceSecurity #SpaceTech #NewSpace #EuropeanSpace #ESA #SpanishSpaceAgency #Seville #Madrid #SpaceSustainability #SpaceDebris #SpaceLaw #CriticalInfrastructure #SpaceIndustry #SpaceEcosystem

Patrick Trinkler: Space is connected to Earth and it’s global In this first episode of the Space Cybersecurity Podcast's new season THE SIGN introduces the show’s mission and explains why space cybersecurity is becoming a critical topic for industry, policymakers, and researchers. Podcast Star Margaux Lucas (MC at CYSAT, Doctoral candidate & Teaching Fellow in Political Science, Sciences Po Strasbourg / University of Strasbourg) speaks with Patrick Trinkler, CEO and co-founder of CYSEC and co-founder of CYSAT, about how the market is evolving from early ecosystem building to real infrastructure, regulation, and investment challenges.www.cysec.comwww.cysat.euIn this conversation, Patrick Trinkler explains why space is shifting from traditional operational technology toward cloud-like information technology, why regional ecosystems approach risk differently and why Europe’s future depends on investment, partnership, and adoption as much as innovation. Key topics:- Why CYSEC was founded to secure the emerging space market and improve resilience- The shift from operational technology to information technology in space systems- How satellite infrastructure is becoming a cloud extension, with new security needs for data in transit, at rest, and in use- How regional attitudes to risk differ between Europe, the US, Asia, and Indonesia- Why private capital is more available in the US, while Europe relies more on institutional support- How geopolitics, sovereignty, and the China-US technology race are reshaping Europe’s position- Why Patrick sees adoption, partnerships, and early talent development as essential for building the sector00:00 — Launching It’s The Sign Podcast and introducing space cybersecurity00:57 — Welcoming Patrick Trinkler, CEO and co-founder of CYSEC and CYSAT02:06 — Why CYSEC was created to secure an emerging market03:34 — Building an ecosystem through CYSAT, inspired by earlier quantum security work04:48 — The move from operational technology to information technology in space06:46 — Applying cloud security concepts to space infrastructure07:41 — Protecting data in transit, at rest, and in use across satellite systems09:48 — Why cybersecurity adoption depends on regional risk perception11:16 — Why space cybersecurity must connect global ecosystems12:46 — Why the US attracts more private investment than Europe15:24 — From awareness to resilience: what CYSAT now aims to build16:24 — Future building blocks: direct connectivity, Earth observation, and new space use cases19:49 — Geopolitics, sovereignty, and the China-US race in space22:51 — China’s reusable launchers and Europe’s competitiveness challenge25:23 — Regulation, standards, and why investment still matters most28:40 — Partnering across regions to navigate different frameworks30:12 — Training, qualification, and learning through industry collaboration32:52 — Whether the real gap is qualification, pay, and talent retention33:41 — How CYSAT attracts students and early-career talent into the ecosystem35:40 — Patrick’s industry inspiration in space cybersecurity — Luca Rossettini from D-Orbit, will you be our next guest?IT'S THE SIGN FOR YOU.***Behind the scenes:Since 2023, THE SIGN.MEDIA brings together industry professionals, founders, experts, and institutions through media content, community events, roundtables, and technology-focused initiatives: www.thesign.mediaTHE SIGN.MEDIA is an official media partner of CYSAT, the global space cybersecurity event founded by CYSEC in 2020: www.cysat.euNext landing — in Madrid, on October 28, 2026: www.cysat.eu/cysat-madrid

In this episode, strategic adviser Marc C Lange joins Tatiana Skydan to discuss modern warfare and traditional defense systems. Marc C Lange has spent over two decades advising governments, space agencies, and tech startups at the intersection of national security and emerging innovation. From Google’s startup programs to global ministries, his expertise offers a sobering and urgent perspective on the wars we’re already fighting.We explore:Why the battlefield of today includes cyber, information, and space domainsThe rise of gray zone warfare, autonomous drones, and gamified conflictHow NATO is preparing (or failing to prepare) for 21st-century threatsThe gap between startup tech and government procurementWhat Europe must urgently do to avoid falling behind -and how Ukraine is leading the wayMarc reveals why procurement reform, space resilience, and cybersecurity innovation are the new frontlines.If you're a policymaker, defense analyst, startup founder, or citizen who cares about global security, this episode will change the way you think about war - and peace.If you ready to contribute contact Marc C Lange: www.2.ventures/me-1***Host: ⁠⁠Tatiana Skydan⁠⁠ - Co-Founder & Creative Producer at THE SIGN.MEDIA. Come to bright side: ⁠⁠www.thesign.media⁠⁠***Sound production by ⁠⁠The Podcast Bar⁠⁠.

Emna Amri PhD, Innovation Director at CYSEC, joins THE SIGN to discuss the future of space cybersecurity, AI, and quantum tech. From post-quantum cryptography to startup-government collaboration, Emna shares expert insights on what’s shaping the next era of innovation."Innovation isn’t just about new ideas—it’s about making sure they matter, " says Emna. Tune in to learn what's next in space cybersecurity.www.cysec.comHosts: ⁠Olga Nasibullina ⁠- Сo-Founder & Editor-in-Chief & ⁠Tatiana Skydan⁠ - Co-Founder & Creative Producer at THE SIGN.MEDIA. Come to bright side: ⁠www.thesign.media⁠***Sound production by ⁠The Podcast Bar⁠.

Mathieu Bailly, VP of CYSEC, a data security company headquartered in Switzerland & Co-Founder and Director at CYSAT, the first European event entirely dedicated to cybersecurity for the space industry, explores the evolving world of space cybersecurity. From the hidden threats in ground infrastructure to the growing influence of AI and global defense interests, Mathieu shares his expert insights on what it takes to secure satellites and space systems in today’s high-stakes digital landscape. Tune in for a deep dive into the challenges, innovations, and collaborations shaping the future of space security.Join the World's biggest space cybersecurity community: www.cysat.euHosts: Olga Nasibullina - Сo-Founder & Editor-in-Chief & Tatiana Skydan - Co-Founder & Creative Producer at THE SIGN.MEDIA. Come to bright side: www.thesign.media***Sound production by The Podcast Bar.

Bianca Lins – Legal Officer at Liechtenstein Office for Communications, Lecturer, Author, Cybersecurity Enthusiast, Cybersecurity Woman of the Year 2023, Cybersecurity Woman of the World 2023 Nominee.Host of the podcast: Olga Nasibullina - Сo-Founder & Editor-in-Chief of TheSIGN.Media. TheSIGN.Media is a digital media outlet dedicated to cybersecurity on Earth and in the Space. Official launch in October 2023. https://www.thesign.media/Episode was recorded in November 2023.Sound production by The Podcast Bar.

There are more than 8.000 satellites floating in the space and normal life flow on the Earth is more than dependent on work and security of those satellites. On this podcast Dr. Jordan Plotnek, Space Sector Technical Lead for CI-ISAC Australia, shares the latest news about global space sector, invites to get attached to the 1st Australian Cyber Space Forum,  and highlights the importance of raising awareness  about developments in the space domain. Dr. Jordan Plotnek holds PhD in space systems security and resilience in the University of South Australia. The main focus of Jordan Plotnek is space security, critical infrastructure resilience, and cyber-physical conflict. Hosts of the podcast: Olga Nasibullina - Сo-Founder & Editor-in-Chief of TheSIGN.Media. Tatiana Skydan - Co-Founder & Creative Producer at TheSIGN.Media. TheSIGN.Media is a digital media outlet dedicated to cybersecurity on Earth and in the Space. Official launch in October 2023. https://www.thesign.media/Episode was recorded in September 2023.Sound production by The Podcast Bar. 

Dr. Roy Balleste is a tenured Professor of Law at Stetson University College of Law. He teaches cyberlaw and space law and has concentrated his scholarship on the areas of internet governance, cybersecurity law, space law, space cybersecurity, and astronautical ethics.Hosts: Olga Nasibullina - Сo-Founder & Editor-in-Chief of TheSIGN.Media. Tatiana Skydan - Co-Founder & Creative Producer at TheSIGN.Media. TheSIGN.Media is a digital media outlet dedicated to cybersecurity on Earth and in the Space. Official launch in October 2023. https://www.thesign.media/Episode was recorded in September 2023.Sound production by The Podcast Bar.

Mathieu Bailly is PhD in Materials Science and one of the trailblazers in space cybersecurity industry. He is VP at CYSEC, a data security company headquartered in Switzerland, and co-founder of CYSAT,  the first European event entirely dedicated to cybersecurity for the space industry.Hosts: Olga Nasibullina - Сo-Founder & Editor-in-Chief of TheSIGN.Media. Tatiana Skydan - Co-Founder & Creative Producer at TheSIGN.Media. TheSIGN.Media is a digital media outlet dedicated to cybersecurity on Earth and in the Space. Official launch in October 2023. https://www.thesign.media/Episode was recorded in August 2023.Sound production by The Podcast Bar.

Clémence Poirier is a Resident Fellow at the European Space Policy Institute in Vienna, Austria. She is also a member of the Space Generation Advisory Council’s Space and Cybersecurity Project Group. In October 2022  Clémence Poirier released the report “The war in Ukraine from a space cybersecurity perspective”.Hosts: Olga Nasibullina - Сo-Founder & Editor-in-Chief of TheSIGN.Media. Cybersecurity expert from Kyiv, Ukraine, with 20 year of C-level management in corporate business; experienced in building government relations and development of cyber security projects at the national level.Tatiana Skydan - Co-Founder & Creative Producer at TheSIGN.Media. Communications expert from Odesa, Ukraine, with 20 years of media management, broadcasting, and content production + 2 years of global PR for the tech ecosystem of Ukraine.TheSIGN.Media is a digital media outlet dedicated to cybersecurity on Earth and in the Space. Official launch in October 2023. https://www.thesign.media/Episode was Zoomed in June 2023.Sound production by The Podcast Bar.