Foundations of Space and Cybersecurity Certificate
Overview
The Foundations of Space and Cybersecurity Certificate program, a collaboration between Ontario Tech University and Space Career Academy (SCA), is aimed at providing industry-relevant, in-demand skills and knowledge in cybersecurity, relevant to the space economy.
Through six (6) stackable modules, the program introduces the Space Economy and cybersecurity, and explores how topics such as cybersecurity, risk mitigation and management, and insurance policies protect investments in Space and on Earth.
The modules must be completed sequentially and can be taken incrementally to any level. Learners who successfully complete all six modules will receive a University Certificate.
- Modules 1, 3, and 5 must be registered for and completed through Space Career Academy (SCA).
- Modules 2, 4, and 6 must be registered for and completed through Ontario Tech University's Continuous Learning.
For more information or to be notified once registration becomes available, please contact us at Continuous Learning!
About your instructors:
Who should attend?
- Students and young professionals pursuing careers in space, cybersecurity, or defense;
- Cybersecurity specialists seeking to expand into the aerospace domain;
- Entrepreneurs and innovators developing solutions for high-threat global environments;
- Policymakers and strategists looking to understand the security landscape of space.
Space Career Academy (SCA)
Continuous Learning and the Faculty of Business and IT are proud to partner with Space Career Academy for the Foundations of Space and Cybersecurity Program. Space Career Academy (SCA) is a global incubator and training hub at the intersection of space, security, and innovation. Through structured programs, mentorship, and industry collaborations, SCA fosters imagination, mentorship, and professional connections that lead to real opportunities in the global space industry.
Courses
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Module 1: Foundations of Space
This course introduces an overview of the space industry, economy, and sustainability practices and is available for registration through Space Career Academy.
Learning Outcomes:
- Critically analyze the global space economy and evaluate the key sectors driving innovation;
- Evaluate and explain core space systems (Earth observation, GNSS, communications) and their interdependencies;
- Assess the impact of governance, sustainability frameworks, and international policy on space industry growth;
- Formulate insights into entrepreneurship and commercialization trends shaping the future space sector.
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Module 2: Foundations of Cybersecurity
This module is an introductory module, and the second module in the Foundations of Space and Cybersecurity program. Covering core cybersecurity principles, learners will examine current threats and attacks against software applications and operating systems. Deception through spoofing, interference through jamming, and other malicious software such as ransomware are examples of what will be introduced. Learners will also appraise the impact of cybersecurity attacks.
Learning Outcomes:
- Examine current threats and attacks against software applications and operating systems;
- Appraise the impact of cybersecurity attacks.
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Module 3: Foundations of Cybersecurity in Space
This course focuses on cybersecurity fundamentals tailored for space, including satellite cybersecurity and practical case studies. This course is available for registration through Space Career Academy.
Learning Outcomes:
- Differentiate and evaluate core cybersecurity principles within the context of space missions and infrastructure;
- Assess space-specific cyber threats (e.g., jamming, spoofing, hacking) and their implications in mission resilience;
- Interpret and evaluate real-world space cyber incidents to extract lessons and inform future practices.
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Module 4: Cybersecurity of IoT in Space
This course is one of two intermediary modules and the fourth module in the Foundations of Space and Cybersecurity Program. This module enables learners to examine architectures for communications networks in space that enable transmission of data for Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Further, it enables learners to examine and appraise the challenges and strategies for securing Internet of Things (IoT) devices and networks in space environments.
Learning Outcomes:
- Examine architectures for communications networks in space that enable transmission of data for Internet of Things (IoT) devices;
- Examine and appraise the challenges and strategies for securing Internet of Things (IoT) devices and networks in space environments.
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Module 5: Application of Cybersecurity in Space
This course focuses on applying cybersecurity principles in real-world space scenarios, emphasizing strategic defense measures. This course is available for registration through Space Career Academy.
Learning Outcomes:
- Construct and apply threat models and risk assessment frameworks specific to space systems;
- Evaluate cyber incident simulations and formulate evidence-based response strategies;
- Design and justify innovative approaches to cybersecurity challenges in space, drawing on interdisciplinary perspectives.
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Module 6: Application of Cybersecurity of IoT in Space
This course is one of two advanced modules and the sixth module in the Foundations of Space and Cybersecurity Program. This module enables learners to utilize their learning in prior modules to recommend and justify real-world relevant application and integration of IoT cybersecurity strategies in space, reinforcing advanced concepts. They will appraise their recommendation within the context of impact of these mitigation approaches.
Learning Outcomes:
- Recommend real-world relevant application and integration of IoT cybersecurity strategies in space;
- Justify real-world relevant application and integration of IoT cybersecurity strategies in space;
- Appraise within the context of impact of these mitigation approaches.
Program Information
Winter 2026 Schedule
| Course | Date | Time |
| Module 1 – Foundations of Space | TBA | TBA |
| Module 2 - Foundations of Cybersecurity | TBA | TBA |
| Module 3 – Foundations of Cybersecurity in Space | TBA | TBA |
| Module 4 - Cybersecurity of IoT in Space | TBA | TBA |
| Module 5 –Application of Cybersecurity in Space | TBA | TBA |
| Module 6 - Application of Cybersecurity of IoT in Space | TBA | TBA |
Please be aware that the final schedule for the Winter 2026 session is currently being finalized. Please check back soon for confirmed course dates.
Winter 2026: Modules 2, 4 & 6 Bundle
| Registration fee | Registration status |
|---|---|
| $1000 CAD + HST (3 module bundle) |
|
Module 2: Foundations of Cybersecurity
| Registration fee | Registration status |
|---|---|
| $350 CAD + HST |
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Module 4: Cybersecurity of IoT in Space
| Registration fee | Registration status |
|---|---|
| $350 CAD + HST |
|
Module 6: Application of Cybersecurity of IoT in Space
| Registration fee | Registration status |
|---|---|
| $350 CAD + HST |
|
Registration
You can register for this course through the secure online registration form. All course fees must be paid at the time of registration.
The Foundations of Space and Cybersecurity program is structured into three progressive stages. Each stage consists of two modules that must be completed sequentially before moving onto the next stage. Modules will be presented online in two blocks: each block will include a lecture component, and a discussion and group work component.
Modules 1, 3, and 5 are available through Space Career Academy (SCA).
Modules 2, 4, and 6 are available through Ontario Tech University's Continuous Learning.
Stage 1: Foundational Knowledge
- Module 1: Foundations of Space
- Module 2: Foundations of Cybersecurity
Stage 2: Integrating Space and Cybersecurity Fundamentals
- Module 3: Foundations of Cybersecurity in Space
- Module 4: Cybersecurity of IoT in Space
Stage 3: Advanced Applications
- Module 5: Application of Cybersecurity in Space
- Module 6: Application of Cybersecurity of IoT in Space
Online meeting times
This program has online meeting times. This means you must attend the virtual class at the specified date and time (see the Schedule tab).
Google Meet, Zoom or Kaltura Virtual Classroom (through Catalog) will be used for online delivery of this program to support interaction and engagement.
This course may include, but is not limited to:
- Content presentations and/or videos;
- Hands-on exercises;
- Case discussions and simulations;
- Group and individual work (assignments/quizzes);
- Concept and topic discussions; and
- Topic reflections.
Requirements
To obtain the University Certificate you must:
- Register and make full payment for all 6 modules;
- Registration for modules 1, 3, and 5 must be completed through Space Career Academy
- Registration for modules 2, 4, and 6 must be completed through Continuous Learning
- Attend and successfully complete each required course/element (see courses listed in the "Program Design" section above);
- Actively participate in all components of each course; and
- Successfully complete any assigned work by due date
This is an open enrolment course.
Those completing Ontario Tech University Continuous Learning open enrolment offerings (e.g. certificate programs, courses, workshops, microcertifications, etc.) are subject to the policies of Ontario Tech University and Continuous Learning. Ontario Tech policies can be found in the Policy library. Continuous Learning policies can be found in the Regulations section of the Continuous Learning website. Specifically, those completing open enrolment offerings are expected to adhere to the General and Open enrolment regulations.
Program Pathways
Cybersecurity for space systems is a rapidly growing field, expanding more than 11% annually and projected to reach roughly $12 billion by 2033. The Foundations of Space and Cybersecurity program is designed to support the space industry and related sectors, with a focus on the cybersecurity needs of space systems.
This program addresses challenges that may be faced by:
- Aerospace companies (satellite operators, launch providers, space infrastructure firms)
- Defense and government agencies working on space security
- Commercial space startups building space-tech solutions
- Employers in cybersecurity who want to expand into space-sector applications