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.com
www.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
