IT Infrastructure Built for Space-Grade Security
ITAR-compliant environments, NIST 800-171 controls, and secure ground station connectivity — mission-critical IT for companies that cannot afford failure.
Why London Space Tech Companies Choose Nerdster
London has quietly become one of Europe’s most important space technology clusters. From satellite manufacturers in Harwell to mission control software startups in Shoreditch, the UK space sector generated £16.5 billion in revenue in 2025 and is growing at 6% annually. But with growth comes scrutiny — and space technology companies face IT security requirements that are among the most demanding of any industry.
ITAR export controls, NIST SP 800-171 security requirements, CMMC certification demands, and the ever-present threat of nation-state espionage create an environment where your IT infrastructure is not just a business tool — it is a compliance requirement, a competitive differentiator, and a national security obligation.
Nerdster provides IT infrastructure for space technology companies that meets every one of these demands without slowing down your engineering teams.
ITAR Compliance Is Not Optional
If your company designs, manufactures, or handles technical data related to satellites, launch vehicles, propulsion systems, or guidance technology, you are almost certainly subject to ITAR. The penalties for non-compliance are severe: criminal fines up to $1 million per violation, imprisonment up to 20 years, and debarment from government contracts.
We build ITAR-compliant IT environments from the ground up. This means access controls that verify US person status before granting access to controlled data, encrypted storage with FIPS 140-2 validated modules, comprehensive audit logging that tracks every access to controlled technical data, and physical security measures for systems that store ITAR material. When the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls comes asking, your documentation is complete and your controls are demonstrable.
NIST SP 800-171: 110 Controls, Zero Shortcuts
NIST Special Publication 800-171 defines the security requirements for protecting Controlled Unclassified Information in nonfederal systems. For space tech companies working with US defence agencies or prime contractors, implementing these 110 controls is not a suggestion — it is a contractual obligation.
We implement every control across all 14 families: access control, awareness and training, audit and accountability, configuration management, identification and authentication, incident response, maintenance, media protection, personnel security, physical protection, risk assessment, security assessment, system and communications protection, and system and information integrity.
Our implementation is pragmatic. We do not deploy heavyweight enterprise tools where lightweight solutions suffice, and we do not create compliance documentation that your engineers cannot understand. Every control is implemented, documented, and testable — and we maintain them continuously so your compliance posture does not degrade between assessments.
Secure Ground Station Operations
For satellite operators, the link between your operations centre and ground station infrastructure is the most critical — and most vulnerable — communication channel in your business. A compromised uplink can command your satellite. A disrupted downlink can blind your mission.
We design and manage secure ground station connectivity with defence-grade encryption for all command and telemetry channels, multi-factor authenticated command authorisation, redundant communication paths with automatic failover, continuous monitoring for link quality and anomalous activity, and incident response procedures specific to space operations.
Whether you operate your own ground stations or use commercial ground station networks, we ensure the connectivity meets the security and availability requirements of your mission.
CMMC: The Gateway to US Defence Contracts
The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification programme is reshaping the defence supply chain. Space technology companies seeking US DoD contracts must demonstrate certified cybersecurity maturity — and the days of self-attestation are ending.
Our CMMC readiness programme begins with a gap assessment against your target certification level, followed by systematic control implementation, policy development, and evidence collection. We prepare your organisation for the third-party assessment that CMMC requires, addressing the technical controls, process maturity, and documentation that assessors evaluate.
For most space tech companies, CMMC Level 2 (aligned with NIST SP 800-171) is the minimum requirement. Companies working on critical programmes may need Level 3, which incorporates enhanced security controls from NIST SP 800-172. We support both paths.
Nation-State Threat Protection
Space technology companies are prime targets for state-sponsored cyber espionage. Your satellite designs, orbital data, propulsion technology, and customer mission parameters are intelligence targets. Standard business cybersecurity is not sufficient against adversaries with nation-state resources and patience.
Our security approach for space tech clients is calibrated to this threat level: advanced endpoint detection tuned to APT indicators of compromise, network segmentation that limits lateral movement even after initial access, privileged access management with hardware security keys, regular red team exercises simulating nation-state TTPs, dark web and threat intelligence monitoring specific to the aerospace sector, and incident response plans developed in coordination with NCSC guidelines.
The Nerdster Difference for Space Tech
We are not a generic IT company that will ask you what ITAR stands for. Our team understands export control environments, handles CUI daily, and knows the difference between a POAM and a SSP. We speak the language of defence security and we build infrastructure that passes the audits your contracts require.
From your first SBIR proposal to your constellation’s operational phase, Nerdster provides the secure IT foundation that lets your engineers focus on reaching orbit — not navigating compliance paperwork.
Why choose Nerdster
ITAR/EAR Compliant IT Environments
Purpose-built IT infrastructure that meets International Traffic in Arms Regulations and Export Administration Regulations requirements — access controls, data handling, audit logging, and physical security for controlled technical data.
NIST SP 800-171 Implementation
Full implementation of all 110 NIST SP 800-171 security controls covering access management, incident response, risk assessment, and system integrity — the baseline for handling Controlled Unclassified Information in the defence supply chain.
Secure Ground Station Connectivity
Encrypted, redundant connectivity between your operations centre and ground station infrastructure. Secure telemetry handling, command authentication, and real-time monitoring for satellite operations.
CMMC Readiness Programme
Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification preparation from Level 1 to Level 3. Gap assessments, control implementation, documentation, and pre-assessment readiness reviews for US DoD supply chain qualification.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is ITAR and how does it affect our IT infrastructure?
The International Traffic in Arms Regulations control the export of defence-related articles and services, including technical data. For space tech companies, this means satellite designs, propulsion data, guidance systems, and related engineering documents must be stored, transmitted, and accessed only through ITAR-compliant IT systems. This requires specific access controls (US person verification), encrypted storage, audit logging, and physical security measures. Non-compliance carries criminal penalties and can result in debarment from government contracts.
Do we need NIST SP 800-171 compliance?
If you handle Controlled Unclassified Information from the US Department of Defense or work in the US defence supply chain, yes. NIST SP 800-171 defines 110 security controls across 14 families — from access control and incident response to physical protection and system integrity. Even UK-based companies need compliance if they handle CUI as part of US contracts or partnerships. We implement all 110 controls and maintain the documentation that auditors require.
What is CMMC and when do we need it?
The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification is the US DoD framework for assessing contractor cybersecurity. CMMC Level 2 aligns with NIST SP 800-171 and is required for contracts involving CUI. Level 3 adds additional controls from NIST SP 800-172 for critical programmes. The ramp-up is underway — new DoD contracts are increasingly requiring CMMC certification. We run readiness programmes that prepare your organisation for third-party assessment.
How do you secure ground station communications?
We implement end-to-end encryption for all ground-to-satellite communication links, authenticated command channels with multi-factor verification, redundant connectivity with automatic failover, and continuous monitoring for anomalous activity. Telemetry data is encrypted in transit and at rest, with access controls that ensure only authorised operators can issue commands.
Can you support both classified and unclassified networks?
Yes. We design and manage segregated network architectures where classified and unclassified systems operate on physically separate infrastructure with controlled data transfer mechanisms. Cross-domain solutions, where required, are implemented following NCSC and US IC guidelines. Air-gapped networks receive the same level of monitoring and maintenance as connected systems.
How do you protect against nation-state threats?
Space technology companies are high-value targets for state-sponsored espionage. Our security posture for space tech clients includes advanced threat detection tuned to APT indicators, privileged access management with hardware tokens, network segmentation that limits lateral movement, regular penetration testing against nation-state TTPs, and threat intelligence feeds specific to the aerospace and defence sector.
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