Advanced Master® "Defense and Security in Space"
This Advanced Master® is offered in partnership with the Space Command, CNES (National Space Study Center) and ONERA National Office for Aerospace Studies and Research).
WHY CHOOSE THE AM® DefSiS?
For several years, the space sector has experienced significant growth, both in everyday applications (telecommunications, navigation and positioning, bank transfers, Earth observation, etc.) and in military operations. This strong growth has also raised security-related issues.
This high-level dual civil and military training (Master's degree) will allow graduates to demonstrate expertise in the field of space and security.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ONERA, CNES AND THE CYBERDEFENSE COMMAND
RENOWNED RECRUITERS
ACCESSIBLE TO CIVILIAN AND MILITARY PROFILES

WHO IS THIS TRAINING FOR ?
Hold :
- an engineering degree (CTI list) or a management degree (CEFDG list) ;
- a Master's degree or equivalent (DEA, DESS, etc.) or a professional degree at the same level ;
- a Master's degree (M1) or equivalent with at least 3 years of professional experience ;
- a diploma registered with the RNCP (National Register of Certified Professionals) level 7 ;
- an international diploma equivalent to the aforementioned diplomas.
THEY WILL TRAIN YOU
- Professors and researchers from the French Air and Space School ;
- Researchers, engineers, and operational managers from the CDE, CNES, and ONERA ;
- Military experts from the CDE ;
- Experts from our academic and industrial partners.

TRAINING OBJECTIVES
- Qualify a spatial situation, assess its criticality ;
- Carry out a diagnosis of the criticality of a spatial situation ;
- Analyze the spatial situation from available data to identify the criticality of situations and interpret abnormal behaviors ;
- Assess the risks and threats weighing on the space system from its environment, whether physical, economic, legal or geopolitical ;
- Integrating the security dimension into the design of missions and the use of civil or military space systems ;
- Implement risk, vulnerability and threat analysis of missions throughout the space systems chain ;
- Propose solutions as part of a defensive strategy ;
- Advise and contribute to decision-making in the civil and political-military spheres of space operations.
FAQ
Cost of training : application fees and tuition fees for this AM® ?
- The cost of the training is:
• €10,500 net of VAT in the case of individual financing,
• € 15,000 net of VAT in the case of assumption by the employer/company.
Are there any other expenses to consider ?
- No application fees for this AM®
Dates of application for the Advanced Master® ?
- You can now go to the website of the French Air and Space Academy to download the application file
Where can I submit my registration file ?
- Once the file is completed, return it to admission-ms@ecole-air.fr You will receive an acknowledgment of receipt. If the file is incomplete or requiring clarification you will be contacted via this address
Until when can I submit my registration file ?
-
As soon as possible. There will have 3 dates of end’s session to submit your file.
I can't open the CPR file, what should I do?
- If you encounter a problem opening it, try saving it as PDF or right click open with PDF. In case of difficulties contact the manager of the AM® at 04 13 93 80 00 ext. 28 541
Are my Master 1 diploma and my certificate of enrolment in Master 2 sufficient at first to send you my registration file, it being understood that it will only be complete when I will be able to provide you with my certificate of successful completion of Master 2?
- Your proof of registration in M2 is sufficient for your file and you can present yourself from the first recruitment session if you wish. If you are selected by the jury you can start the AM DefSiS program, which allows a real continuity of studies between the M2 and the AM
Level in English ?
Since the course is fully taught in English the required minimum linguistic level1 is B2 (European referencing system) upon presentation of a minimum score for one of the following exams: TOEFL (paper-based): 567, TOEFL (IBT) 87, TOEIC: 785, PLS 3333 (Standardized linguistic profile).
The following candidates are exempted from English tests:
- English speaking natives
- the candidates who do not speak French and who had been studying or working for at least two years in an English speaking university or country.
Proof of level in English valid at the time of submission of this application (If a valid proof of level in English is not submitted, or if an obsolete proof of level in English is submitted, the successful candidate will be required to provide a valid proof of level in English during the course of their studies and no later than the day of their professional thesis defence, otherwise graduation will not take place. Otherwise, graduation will not be possible).
Regarding the letter of recommendation, it can be written by any teacher or does it have to come from the person in charge of the training?
- There is nothing imposed on the profile of the author of the letter of recommendation, this person just needs to be recognized in his field and know you well enough to appreciate and recommend your skills, know-how and interpersonal skills.
Do you have any examples to provide me of companies that have funded this program?
- Founding members: EAE, Space Command, CNES, ONERA. Partners: CS Group, Telespazio, SopraSteria, Thalès Alenia Space, Airbus Defense and Space, MBDA, ESA, ISAE Group, Dassault Aviation, ESSP, ArianeGroup
Regarding the prerequisites, is a general engineering degree in engineering school enough
- Any engineering degree or equivalent to the grade of Master 2 (sciences, economics, management, political science, etc.) is admissible to pass to the admission jury
What courses are offered?
- On the website of the Space School, the AM DefSiS brochure will bring you the details of this training.
Are the teachers all French?
- Most of the teachers are French, but ESA could call on international trainers.
Can the internship be done in a company other than in the private sector (public or international)?
- Your internship can be done in the private or public sector related to the space field.
Do all students follow the same curriculum?
- Yes, all students will follow the same program to obtain the AM degree.
Will there be an engineering refresher for candidates from a non-technical background?
- The 1st unit (module) will be dedicated to this refreshment/upgrade.
What is the "Project" module?
- The unit called Project is a project led by (at least) 2 students during the academic semester, involving a research paper and a presentation.
Will Unit 6 be limited to cybersecurity within the space segment or will the ground segment, the link segment and the user segment be addressed?
- These conferences and trainings will focus on cyber threats and hygiene, network and application security, cyber risk management, cyber laws, attack and defense practices, software security, cybersecurity audits...
Could you describe in more detail the content of Unit 6 "Security of space systems", including the sub-theme "Cybersecurity of space systems"?
- These conferences and trainings will focus on cyber threats and hygiene, network and application security, cyber risk management, cyber laws, attack and defense practices, software security, cyber audits...
Could your program be useful in preparing cybersecurity certifications such as CISSP, CISM, CompTIA A+, etc.)?
- The AM program could give a strong specificity to your cybersecurity skills and therefore contribute to your preparation for cyber professional certifications
Is this Advanced Master's degree available as a double curriculum or as a "work-study program" (work-linked training system) ?
- The programme will be full-time with no alternating. ESTACA students can take part in a double degree course thanks to our agreement with this institution.
When can the search for the company's mission begin?
- You can start your mission search at the opening of the semester
Is the subject of the assignment already established or flexible?
- Flexible locations and topics
Is the scope of this programme limited to France and Europe? Are American organizations such as USSF or ISAC Espace part of the facilities that students will visit?
- Only France/Europe structures will be visited during the semester, but you can carry out your professional assignment in an American company/institution.
Will the classes take place at the École de l'air et de l'espace in Salon-de-Provence or in another place?
- All the training at the Air and Space School, one week will be relocated to Toulouse to Visit our partners.
Is there a platform to connect with current program students or alumni?
- In 2024, possibility to develop an alumni platform of the AM DefSiS

