Our ESAThe KATESIP (Kubernetes Artefact Transmission to Air-gapped Environments via Solar System Internet Protocols) project, which has received funding, is nearing successful completion. Together with our technology partner D3TN We can look back on an exciting few months of development, testing and validation.

As part of the KATESIP project, we have demonstrated how software updates can be deployed securely and reliably in fully isolated, critical IT environments – even in the absence of a traditional internet connection. This is based on network protocols that are also intended for use in the „Solar System Internet“ and which we have adapted for use in cloud, Kubernetes and air-gap environments.

The project results include: 

• Development of a concept for the secure transfer of software artefacts in air-gapped environments
• Analysis and evaluation of existing approaches, and identification of technological differentiation
• Development and successful validation, including a demonstrator
  
  

However, the journey does not end with the completion of the project. On the contrary.

Together with D3TN, we have defined the next steps and laid the foundations for our continued collaboration. By signing a joint Technology Commercial Agreement, we are establishing the framework for this.

The focus is on the targeted further development of the technology developed during the project, with a view to performance, robustness and security. This will be followed by the further validation of specific product and service offerings in relevant use cases. In this way, we are laying the foundations for the planned market approach and the development of a scalable go-to-market strategy. The aim is to provide market-ready solutions for secure cloud infrastructures and services, including the operation of secure cloud services, on-premises cloud infrastructures, and cloud consultancy, integration and implementation projects for security-critical environments.

We look forward to continuing on this journey together and harnessing the potential of KATESIP for critical infrastructure, public administration and security-critical applications.

The first highlight is coming up later this year: At the Space Tech Expo Europe From 17 to 19 November 2026 in Bremen, D3TN and Cloud&Heat will jointly present the solution.

Many thanks to D3TN for the trusting and very pleasant collaboration, as well as to the European Space Agency (ESA) and the project sponsors EurA AG and cesah GmbH Centre for Satellite Navigation in Hesse for supporting this exciting project, which we really enjoyed working on. We look forward to the next steps and to continuing our collaboration.