Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide

Security Space

CGI awarded ESA-MAAP ASCEND contract

CGI has been selected to deliver key system engineering and cyber security expertise for the European Space Agency’s ESA-MAAP, a Multi-Mission Algorithm and Analysis Platform, as part of a consortium led by Serco.

Above: Earth's surface captured by Earth observation satellite.
Courtesy CGI / ESA

This initiative will enhance access to advanced processing capabilities for Earth observation data, empowering global scientific collaboration.

CGI’s teams in the UK and Italy will play a vital role in the platform’s development, contributing to system engineering, security design and implementation. As part of the ASCEND programme, CGI will support the onboarding of ESA’s BIOMASS and EarthCARE missions, enabling the scientific community to maximise the use of data from these Earth Explorer missions.

Advertisement
ODU RT

CGI’s responsibilities will also include managing service evolution and coordinating change requests, ensuring the platform remains adaptable to emerging scientific and technological advancements.

Jaime Reed, Vice President Consulting Services, Space Data Platforms and Applications at CGI in the UK and Australia, said: “A core element of CGI’s contribution will be the deployment of its proven insula data platform to power ESA-MAAP’s Product Algorithm Laboratory.

"This will serve as the backbone for the processing environment, offering scalable IT resources to meet evolving user needs. In addition, CGI will develop and implement robust security plans to safeguard data integrity and confidentiality, ensuring compliance with ESA’s stringent security requirements.”

Advertisement
ODU RT

Nino Pace, Vice President Consulting Services at CGI in Italy, said: “CGI’s role in ASCEND, alongside our contributions to the Destination Earth programme and EUMETSAT big data initiatives, underscores our leadership in developing cutting-edge Earth observation data processing solutions. By leveraging modern big data technologies, we are helping to create the foundation for future Earth observation platforms.”

Through this work, CGI will also enhance the Biomass mission with bespoke processors and algorithms and promote interoperability between ESA and NASA with the outcome of supporting global data exchange. Additionally, the Geo-Trees community will be onboarded to foster cross-community collaboration and knowledge sharing across Earth observation disciplines.

This latest contract builds on CGI’s longstanding commitment to ESA through its Earth Observation Common Services. It further highlights CGI’s role as a trusted partner in supporting critical international missions that drive scientific and technological progress.

Advertisement
PTC PTC
Matt Jukes secures role as Met

Security

Matt Jukes secures role as Met's Deputy Commissioner

23 May 2025

Matt Jukes has been confirmed as the Met’s new permanent Deputy Commissioner.

UK and allies expose Russian cyber campaign targeting western logistics and tech entities

Defence Security

UK and allies expose Russian cyber campaign targeting western logistics and tech entities

23 May 2025

The UK government and international allies have exposed Russia’s military intelligence service for a campaign of malicious cyber activity against western logistics entities and technology companies.

Tyron boosts logistics team with Beata Sleightholme

Defence Security

Tyron boosts logistics team with Beata Sleightholme

23 May 2025

Tyron Runflat, inventor of the world’s only multipiece rubber Runflat system, is celebrating its latest team investment with the appointment of experienced Logistics & Administration Operative, Beata Sleightholme.

Manchester Airport opens T2 security hall

Aerospace Security

Manchester Airport opens T2 security hall

23 May 2025

Manchester Airport has opened its new Terminal 2 security hall, a major milestone as the 10-year, £1.3 billion transformation of Manchester Airport nears completion.

Advertisement
DSEI 2025
NCSC provides tips to help staff keep organisations safe online

Security

NCSC provides tips to help staff keep organisations safe online

20 May 2025

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has released an accessible, free and easy to use training package - 'Top Tips for Staff' - that addresses the challenge of making cyber security relevant to everyone in an organisation, irrespective of size or sector.

Dstl and FBI collaborate on HME manufacturing training

Defence Security

Dstl and FBI collaborate on HME manufacturing training

20 May 2025

The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) has enabled the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to deliver training on homemade explosives (HME) manufacturing for the UK and other partner nations in early 2025, at Cranfield Ordnance Test and Evaluation Centre (COTEC).

Advertisement
ODU RT