When most people think of space, they imagine roaring rockets, moon landers, and satellites orbiting the Earth. But just as critical as the engineer on the launch pad or spacecraft operator in the control room, behind every successful mission stands a team of IT professionals. Together, they form the backbone of every mission, connecting ground to orbit and ensuring secure space operations.
“In today’s rapidly evolving space industry, where innovation and new competitors are constantly reshaping the landscape, a well-planned and secure IT infrastructure isn’t just an advantage – it’s essential. It’s the foundation that enables us to keep pace with technological advancements and maintain a competitive edge,” says Andreas Nordin, Chief Information Officer at SSC.
Whether it’s satellite communications, launches, spacecraft operations or human spaceflight, is a robust IT infrastructure a prerequisite for every space activity or service. Cloud infrastructure, global network solutions, and cybersecurity are constantly modernized through cloud migration, automation, and observability.
On a mission: From cloud to orbit
It is more than a technical choice, it’s a strategic mission. From ground operations and launch all the way to de-orbit, SSC is on a mission to become a cloud-first company, allowing for seamless data flow, mission control, and rapid response to evolving needs.
“We’re on a cloud transformation journey towards a modern architecture which meets the industry’s growing demands on cybersecurity, agility, scalability, and reliability. Our cloud platforms enable real-time satellite operations, data processing, and global communications, ensuring that every mission is supported by secure and robust digital backbone,” says Andreas Nordin.
Ground control for the digital age
Through SSC’s global network of ground stations, spacecrafts and satellites are constantly connected to Earth. At the heart of these operations is a global network that links the company’s ground stations around the world with on-prem and cloud environments.
“Scaling our network to support missions across continents is a challenge that requires highly skilled network engineers. We’re connecting SSC’s ground stations from every corner of the world, creating a digital backbone that enables everything from launcher tracking to on-orbit connectivity,” explains Andreas Nordin.
Complex integrations, high-bandwidth data transfers, and mission-critical communications, are handled by SSC’s team of IT experts. This ensures that scientists and engineers can rely on flawless connectivity throughout their missions’ lifecycle.
Hands-on 24/7 operations
While most of SSC’s IT network infrastructure can be centrally managed, the physical infrastructure at SSCs network of ground stations, Esrange Space Center in the north of Sweden and SSC offices around the world remains vital. Server and network engineers maintain systems that run around the clock, supporting launches, data downlinks, and mission control.
“It’s hands-on work that requires deep technical knowledge. Our engineers make sure that the physical infrastructure works 24/7/365 and is securely connected to our global network infrastructure.” Andreas Nordin notes.
Securing space
With a growing portion of society’s most critical infrastructure relying on space, such as earth observation, communications, navigation, and more, protecting the mission-critical infrastructure is always a top priority.
“Cybersecurity in the space domain is a technical challenge unlike any other. We safeguard connection to satellites, ground systems, and cloud environments against natural risks and threat actors that could compromise basic functions in society as well as entire missions,” says Andreas Nordin.
SSC’s security operations (SecOps) team deploys advanced security protocols, continuous monitoring, and rapid incident response to ensure that every link in the chain, from ground stations to orbiting satellites, is protected. The complexity of these systems demands expertise, vigilance, and commitment to innovation.
Join our journey
To continue evolving its IT capabilities, SSC is on a look-out for top talent to work on real tech challenges that go beyond the ordinary.
“We’re on a journey to migrate to the cloud, automate processes, and enhance observability to ensure reliability for our customers. Leading this journey means driving innovation, supporting mission success, and fully adapt to a DevSecOps working model,” ends Andreas Nordin.
